The Presidency announced that 24 million Nigerians are expected to benefit from the Federal Government’s Human Capital Development initiative, which aims to enhance educational opportunities, healthcare, and skills training throughout the country.
Back in 2018, the National Economic Council initiated the National Human Capital Development Programme with the goal of alleviating poverty and fostering sustainable economic growth. At the time, the Council emphasized the vital role of HCD in achieving these objectives.
The Human Capital Development initiative aims to fast-track investments that directly benefit individuals, thereby promoting equitable economic growth throughout Nigeria.
During the strategy validation stakeholders engagement workshop, held in Abuja on Thursday, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President and Chairman of the HCD core working group, Senator Ibrahim Hadejia, alongside Acting Coordinator of HCD and Special Adviser to the President on NEC and Climate Change, Rukaiya El-Rufai, underscored the government’s dedication to the Human Capital Development initiative.
Both leaders highlighted President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s intention to address the ‘japa’ syndrome by investing strategically in education, health, and skills development. This, they argued, would ensure that young Nigerians are empowered with the necessary tools to thrive in the country and avoid the temptation of emigrating.
Speaking to journalists after the workshop, Hadeija stressed the critical importance of HCD, pointing out that President Bola Tinubu’s administration intends to build on the achievements made by former President Muhammadu Buhari’s government in this regard.
When asked how the HCD initiatives would tackle the ‘japa’ phenomenon, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President urged all Nigerians to actively engage with HCD programs, emphasizing that these initiatives can help to address the issues that are causing young people to seek opportunities elsewhere.
He said, “We live in a global setting, and with technology, the world is borderless. First of all, we can’t stop people from leaving Nigeria. What we will do is embrace the HCD initiative that creates opportunities for people to stay at home. This way, they don’t need to leave the country to earn a living. With the HCD initiatives, they can do that here in Nigeria.”
Hadeija expressed confidence that by expanding access to quality education, bolstering healthcare services, and providing skills training and employment opportunities, many Nigerians would witness significant improvements in their lives.
I’m his words: “Through collaboration, learning, and growth, we will shape the quality and effectiveness of the Human Capital Development Programme in building resilient healthcare systems, ensuring equitable access to education, and fostering an inclusive, future-ready workforce.”
In her statement, the Acting Coordinator of HCD underscored that Human Capital Development is the foundation for sustainable economic growth and social development, emphasizing its essential role in ensuring that Nigeria can achieve its full potential
She noted that investing in people’s education, health, and skills not only improves individual well-being but also fosters innovation, productivity, and global competitiveness.
Rukaiya revealed that “The HCD 2.0 target 24 million additional healthy (under-five-year-old children surviving and not stunted), educated (completing secondary school) and productive (youth entering the labor force) Nigerians by 2030.
“Our goal is ambitious yet achievable: to develop a comprehensive strategy that not only addresses the unique challenges we face but also leverages the vast opportunities available. This strategy must mainstream gender, ensure equal opportunities for all, and incorporate climate change and climate action, recognizing the critical intersection between human capital and environmental sustainability.
“As we collaborate over the next few days, I encourage each of you to share your insights, challenge assumptions, and propose innovative solutions. Your expertise and experiences are invaluable, and together, we can craft a strategy that truly transforms lives and drives sustainable development.”
Some of the most significant moments of the event were the panel discussion, where experts shared insights on HCD, a presentation of the regional HCD strategy, and a strategy validation and collaboration session where stakeholders discussed the initiative’s implementation.
The workshop was graced by representatives from various organizations and institutions, including the Gates Foundation, the World Bank, ECOWAS, the Dangote Foundation, and the United Nations Development Program.
