This month’s NIFST Lagos chapter meeting was held on Sunday, 26th May, 2024 at Bells University of Technology, Ota Zone, where the blending and distillation manager, IDL, Ota, Mr. Augustine Ejoh discussed methods for improving manufacturing processes. He emphasized that continuous process improvement is essential in all areas, including manufacturing, services, ICT, and even daily life, and said it would be a recurring topic.

He outlined the learning objectives, starting with the importance of achieving world-class performance in organizations through competitive strategies and continuous improvement. He used the example of Tobi Amusan, an athlete, to illustrate how doing things differently and overcoming obstacles is crucial for staying competitive and excelling, similar to what organizations must do.

He discussed various strategies for organizations to remain competitive, such as customer intimacy, operational excellence, and product leadership, especially relevant in the IT industry and Industry 4.0. He posed the question of how to provide maximum value to customers at the lowest cost and shortest delivery time, which ties into the discussion on continuous improvement.

Mr. Augustine Ejoh then reviewed the history of quality management and continuous improvement methodologies, from the building of the Great Pyramid of Egypt to modern practices like lean manufacturing and Six Sigma. He explained that quality management has evolved significantly over time, with contributions from notable figures such as Walter Shewhart, Joseph Juran, Edward Demin, and others.

He described the continuous improvement maturity model, emphasizing the need for organizations to assess their current state and adopt appropriate improvement methodologies. This involves creating a continuous improvement culture and ensuring processes are reliable and efficient.

For process improvement deployment, he stressed the importance of change management, leadership, and teamwork. He shared examples from his organization, IDL, where they successfully reduced ethanol loss through continuous improvement practices, involving staff in the process and using tools like the Fisher diagram and Kaizen methodology.

The speaker concluded by relating the discussion to the broader context of Nigeria, questioning why the country, despite its resources, does not fully enjoy its potential. He suggested that identifying and addressing core issues is essential for starting a continuous improvement journey, whether for a company or a country.

Cross Section of IDL Staff(s)

Members of Ota Zone in a group photo with the Excos.

The Guest Speaker, Mr Augustine Ejoh making a presentation on manufacturing process improvement methodologies.

Members at the Meeting.

Cross Section of Finance team @ the Meeting.

Cross Section of NIFSTers @ the Meeting.