Nigeria eyes top 80 in human capital index

On Friday, Vice President Kashim Shettima announced the Federal Government’s commitment to elevating Nigeria’s position within the top 80 countries on the global Human Capital Index by fostering a healthier, better-educated, and empowered populace.

Shettima acknowledged the ambitious nature of this goal but emphasized its attainability, urging all Nigerians—including policymakers and community leaders—to support the Human Capital Development Programme.

He made these comments during the launch of the HCD 2.0 Strategy at a Steering Committee meeting for the Human Capital Development Programme at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Stanley Nkwocha, the Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Media and Communication, shared this information in a statement titled, “VP Shettima at the inauguration of HCD 2.0 strategy: We’ll position Nigeria among top 80 countries on Human Capital Index.”

“Our targets are bold yet reachable. We aim to position Nigeria among the top 80 countries on the Human Capital Index, aspiring for a score of 0.6 by 2030,” he stated. “These figures reflect more than mere statistics; they represent genuine improvements in the lives of our citizens, such as access to quality healthcare, better educational outcomes, and increased employment opportunities, all while fostering resilience against global challenges.”

As he inaugurated HCD 2.0, Shettima called on all Nigerians to recognize the initiative’s significance. “Building a healthier, better-educated, and empowered Nigeria is a collective effort that requires each of us to contribute to a legacy of progress and opportunity.”

Reflecting on Nigeria’s situation in 2018, Shettima pointed out critical deficiencies in health, education, and employment that were highlighted in global human capital rankings. This alarming reality prompted the government to prioritize human capital development, leading to the launch of HCD 1.0 aimed at creating a healthy, educated, and productive Nigeria by 2030.

Describing the launch of HCD 2.0 as the start of a new chapter, Shettima stated, “We have built a solid foundation, and today we officially introduce the second phase of our Human Capital Development strategy—HCD 2.0.”

“This initiative signifies more than just a program; it is a national pledge to enhance the well-being, empowerment, and productivity of every Nigerian. It embodies a vision that resonates with the aspirations of our citizens and underscores our shared ambition for a healthier, more educated, and inclusive Nigeria.”

Shettima outlined that HCD 2.0 aims to ensure no Nigerian is left behind as the nation strives for a more inclusive and sustainable society. He detailed the strategy’s core pillars, including equitable and modern healthcare, an inclusive education system, and the promotion of financial inclusion.

“One of the key elements of HCD 2.0 is equitable and modern healthcare. We envision a system that is accessible to every Nigerian, regardless of their location or economic status,” he explained.

“Through digital health initiatives, innovative financing, and climate-resilient practices, we aim to create a healthcare system that serves everyone.”

He also emphasized the transformation of the educational landscape, committing to an inclusive system that prioritizes digital literacy, gender equality, and financial accessibility.

In the context of digital advancement, Shettima highlighted HCD 2.0’s goal of bridging the digital divide and enhancing financial inclusion across Nigeria. “By promoting fintech solutions, online banking, and digital payment systems, we are creating pathways for all Nigerians to engage in the economy,” he noted.

However, he stressed that achieving HCD 2.0 would require a comprehensive governance framework that unites federal and state leaders, private sector stakeholders, civil society, and development agencies.

With the support of the HCD Programme Steering Committee he chairs, along with collaboration from both public and private sector leaders, Shettima assured that the federal government is committed to effectively implementing the HCD 2.0 strategy.

Earlier, Rukaiya El-Rufai, Special Adviser to the President on the National Economic Council and Climate Change, presented the new program, which aims to improve human capital outcomes by focusing on education, health, and workforce development, building on the achievements of HCD 1.0.

“The HCD 2.0 Program is designed to elevate Nigeria’s Human Capital Index and prepare our country to tackle both national and global challenges, including climate change and digital transformation,” El-Rufai stated.

She emphasized the need for robust Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning processes to ensure transparency and effectiveness in monitoring progress. “We are dedicated to addressing critical gaps in health, education, and labor force participation while promoting sustainability and inclusivity in all our initiatives,” she added.