FG mulls launch of human capital development initiative
By Kunle Sanni
The Federal Government has announced it is exploring possibilities for the launch of a new initiative aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s human capital, with a focus on healthcare, education, and the labor force.
This was contained in a statement signed by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice President).
The initiative was officially introduced by Ibrahim Hadejia, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), during a strategy validation and stakeholders engagement workshop held in Abuja.
In his keynote speech, Senator Hadejia emphasized the importance of the workshop, themed “From Strategy to Action: Empowering States for Human Capital Development”.
While praising the stakeholders for recognizing the need for intervention in critical areas, he stressed that the goals of the Human Capital Development Programme—which include improving access to quality education, enhancing healthcare services, and providing skills training and employment opportunities—cannot be achieved in isolation.
He highlighted the need for strategic input from all relevant stakeholders to shape inclusive, equitable, and sustainable policies.
“By sharing insights, best practices, and innovative ideas, we can identify the most effective pathways to achieving our goals.
“It is through our combined efforts that we can create a comprehensive and sustainable framework for human capital development that will benefit generations to come,” Hadejia stated.
He further noted the importance of collaboration, innovation, and commitment to a shared objective, not just for national scrutiny but also for the credibility of the initiative.
He described the workshop as a platform for validation, collaboration, learning, and growth, essential for building resilient healthcare systems, ensuring equitable access to education, and fostering an inclusive, future-ready workforce.
“Our goal is that by the end of this workshop, you develop a rounded perspective of where we are headed and expand your network to ease the discharge of your role in ensuring that Human Capital Development’s key thematic areas are prioritized in your state,” he added.
Rukaiya el-Rufai, the Acting Coordinator of HCD 2.0, in her opening remarks, described the workshop as the beginning of a journey to review and develop Nigeria’s strategy for Human Capital Development, aligning it with global best practices.
She highlighted the administration’s prioritization of HCD as the foundation for sustainable development.
El-Rufai assured that the efforts of the stakeholders would align with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which focuses on reforming education, improving healthcare, and ensuring gender equality and empowerment.
She emphasized the urgency of the initiative given Nigeria’s ranking in the global Human Capital Development index.
Representatives from the Aliko Dangote Foundation, the Gates Foundation, and the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment expressed unanimous support for building a resilient and empowered human capital base for Nigeria.
