The Director-General of the National Productivity Centre (NPC), Dr. Baffa Babba Dan'Agundi, has called on public and private sector organizations in Nigeria to adopt the Kaizen approach to improve efficiency, effectiveness, and overall productivity. He made this statement during his welcome address at the 2nd National Kaizen Conference, themed “Driving Overall Growth in Nigeria through Continuous Improvement: The Kaizen Approach,” held on February 13, 2025, at Zuma Hall, Rock View Hotel (Royale), Maitama, Abuja.
The one-day conference, organized in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), aimed to promote the deployment of Kaizen—a globally recognized continuous improvement philosophy—in Nigeria's public and private sectors. It featured technical sessions, roundtable discussions, and best practice sharing by industry experts and practitioners.
In his remarks, Dr. Dan'Agundi emphasized the importance of continuous improvement in enhancing operational practices to boost Nigeria’s competitiveness in global value chains. He noted that Kaizen helps organizations eliminate waste, improve quality, and optimize resources for better growth and development.
He expressed gratitude to JICA for its partnership and support, as well as to the participating organizations for their commitment to promoting productivity and quality.
The Chief Representative of JICA Nigeria Office, Mr. Susumu Yuzurio, highlighted Kaizen as a proven methodology that transforms businesses by enhancing productivity and fostering a culture of excellence. He underscored JICA’s ongoing commitment to Nigeria’s development journey, stating that Kaizen offers the potential to improve competitiveness and drive sustainable growth across sectors.
Over 90 participants from both public and private organizations attended the conference. Notable dignitaries included representatives from the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Abuja Enterprise Agency (AEA), and key officials from NPC and JICA Nigeria Office.
The National Productivity Centre remains committed to promoting productivity consciousness and socio-economic growth through various initiatives, including the Productivity and Quality Improvement Programme (P&QIP), capacity building programs, and productivity monitoring and advocacy across Nigeria.
