We’ll position Nigeria among countries on human capital index – Shettima 

Vice President Kashim Shettima on Friday declared the federal government’s resolve to position the nation among the top 80 countries on the global Human Capital Index (HCI) by building a healthier, better-educated, and empowered Nigeria.

The task, he said, is ambitious but achievable, calling on Nigerians, including policymakers and community leaders, to embrace the Human Capital Development Programme.

Vice President Shettima spoke while inaugurating the HCD 2.0 Strategy during a meeting of the Steering Committee of Human Capital Development Programme at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

He said, “Our targets are ambitious, yet achievable. We aim to position Nigeria among the top 80 countries on the Human Capital Index, reaching a score of 0.6 by 2030.

“These metrics represent more than just numbers; they signify the real change in the lives of our people—access to quality healthcare, improved educational outcomes, expanded opportunities for meaningful employment, and a society that remains resilient in the face of global challenges.

“As we inaugurate HCD 2.0, I call on every Nigerian—policymakers, community leaders, and citizens alike—to recognise the stakes and embrace the promise of this initiative. Building a healthier, better educated, and empowered Nigeria relies on each of us contributing to a legacy of progress and possibility.”

The Vice President recalled how Nigeria faced what he described as a stark reality in 2018 when the nation’s ranking on global human capital indices showed critical gap in health, education, and employment.

The urgency to address the embarrassing situation, according to him, compelled the government to prioritise human capital development, leading to the launch of HCD 1.0 to build a healthy, educated, and productive Nigeria by 2030.

Describing the launch of the HCD 2.0 as the beginning of a new phase, Senator Shettima said, “We have laid a strong foundation, and now, we officially launch the second phase of the Human Capital Development strategy—HCD 2.0.

“This initiative represents far more than a programme. It is a national commitment, a promise to the well-being, empowerment, and productivity of every Nigerian. It embodies a vision that speaks to the aspirations of each citizen and affirms our shared goal: a healthier, more educated, and more inclusive Nigeria.”

The Vice President explained that the goal of the HCD 2.0 Strategy is to make sure no Nigerian is left behind as the nation navigates towards a more inclusive, sustainable society, even as he listed the core pillars of the strategy to include equitable and modern healthcare, an inclusive, functional education system, as well as promotion of financial inclusion nationwide.

He continued: “One of the core pillars of HCD 2.0 is equitable and modern healthcare. We envision a system that reaches every Nigerian, regardless of their location or economic standing. Through digital health platforms, innovative financing, and climate-resilient practices, we aim to create a healthcare system that serves all.

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“Alongside healthcare, we are transforming our approach to education. We are committed to fostering an inclusive, functional education system that prioritises digital literacy, gender equity, and financial accessibility.”

In an era of digital transformation, Senator Shettima explained that HCD 2.0 is targeted at bridging the digital divide and promoting financial inclusion across Nigeria.

“By advancing fintech solutions, online banking, and digital payment systems, we are creating pathways for every Nigerian to actively participate in the economy,” he added.

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The Vice President stated however that the HCD 2.0 will not be achieved without “a broad governance framework that brings together federal and state leaders, private sector partners, civil society, and development agencies.”

He assured that with the backing of the HCD Programme Steering Committee, which he chairs, as well as leaders from both public and private sectors, the federal government will smoothly and efficiently execute the HCD 2.0 strategy.

Earlier in her presentation, Special Adviser to the President on National Economic Council (NEC) and Climate Change, Rukaiya El-Rufai, said the new programme aims to enhance human capital outcomes by focusing on education, health, and workforce development, building on the progress of its predecessor, HCD 1.0.

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

She highlighted the importance of robust Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) processes to ensure transparency and effectiveness in tracking progress.

“We are committed to closing critical gaps in health, education, and labour force participation while promoting sustainability and inclusivity in all our efforts,” she added.

Meanwhile, Vice President Shettima also inaugurated the National Flood, Erosion, Drought, and Desertification Management Council (NFEDDMC).

The council’s mandate is to establish a comprehensive approach to combating the growing challenges of environmental and climate-induced disasters, focusing on collaborative efforts across government agencies and regions.

Speaking during the inauguration, Vice President Shettima stressed the need for a unified response to natural disasters that have increasingly impacted Nigeria.

“This council will chart a new course in the management of nature-induced disasters, moving beyond siloed efforts and fostering a collaborative, resource-sharing model for optimal performance,” he stated.

The creation of the council followed recommendations from an updated roadmap on disaster management, developed by a committee led by Kogi State Governor, Usman Ahmed Ododo, under the direction of the National Economic Council (NEC).

Shettima acknowledged the accuracy of Nigeria’s weather predictions this year, crediting local agencies for their efforts and urging all departments to “continue acquiring the latest technology and expertise to better serve our communities.”

The NFEDDMC’s responsibilities include advising the federal government on disaster management strategies, developing a national disaster management strategy with immediate, medium, and long-term measures, and enhancing public awareness of climate resilience practices.

According to Senator Shettima, each agency involved must be prepared to act promptly, as environmental disasters often require urgent responses.

The Vice President expressed confidence in the council’s ability to confront the challenges posed by climate. “The journey ahead is challenging, but I believe in the expertise and resolve of our team. Together, we can build a more resilient Nigeria,” he noted.

The Vice President is the chairman of the council, with Governors of Kogi, Bayelsa, Oyo, Ebonyi, Bauchi and Jigawa States as members.

Others members are the Minister of State, Water Resources & Sanitation; the Minister of State for Environment; the Directors-General of Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, Nigeria Meteorological Agency, National Water Resources Institute, and the National Emergency Management Agency

Others include Managing-Directors of the National Inland Waterways Authority, Niger Delta Development Commission, North East Development Commission, and representatives of development partners.