Vice President Kashim Shettima of Nigeria has initiated a groundbreaking multi-sectoral committee to spearhead the country’s Human Capital Development (HCD) program. This strategic move aims to address the nation’s educational, health, and labor force participation challenges, marking a significant leap towards sustainable growth and prosperity.
The committee, comprising representatives from federal and state governments, donors, and partners, will meet every fortnight to monitor the progress of the HCD program. This decision emerged from a high-level meeting with the World Bank’s Country Director for Nigeria, Shubham Chaudhuri, the Dangote Foundation’s Chairman, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Tony Elumelu Foundation’s founder, Mr. Tony Elumelu, and Health and Social Welfare Minister, Prof. Ali Pate.
At the meeting, Shettima emphasized the critical need for investment in human capital to create a workforce that is both globally competitive and adaptable to 21st-century demands. He expressed his anticipation for the success of the initiatives, underscoring the pivotal role of human capital development in the nation’s future.
Acknowledging the contributions of Nigerian business leaders Dangote and Elumelu, Shettima highlighted the importance of quality leadership in societal advancement. In his speech, Prof. Pate lauded the federal government’s efforts to prioritize the people in its ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’, stressing the significance of investing in human resources.
Pate expressed optimism about the broad interest from stakeholders at various government levels and international partners in the HCD program under the Tinubu administration. He emphasized the need for accurate data to ensure effective implementation of the program.
Dangote praised Shettima’s foresight in calling the meeting, demonstrating the administration’s commitment to human capital development. He urged stakeholders to address the challenge of data accuracy, essential for the program’s success. Elumelu echoed this sentiment, affirming his foundation’s support for the government’s initiatives.
According to a report by This Day Live, Chaudhuri from the World Bank pledged support for the federal government’s HCD program, particularly in technical assistance and data strengthening.
Launched in March 2018 by the National Economic Council, the HCD program is a response to Nigeria’s poor performance in global human capital development indices. The program, guided by a steering committee led by the Vice President, includes representatives from the government, private sector, and development agencies.
A Core Working Group has been established to ensure the program’s practical implementation at the local level, comprising representatives from relevant ministries, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, the Organized Private Sector, and donors.
The HCD program focuses on health and nutrition, labor force participation, and education, targeting six essential areas, including under-five mortality, malnutrition, adult mortality, expected years of school, quality of learning, and labour force participation rate.
This initiative marks a pivotal step in Nigeria’s journey towards a knowledge-based, service-driven economy, leveraging a comprehensive, multi-stakeholder approach for its ambitious goals.
