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Udeze Ekene
Guest
The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has said the government would put the country in the top 80 countries on the global Human Capital Index (HCI) by 2030.
Kashim Shettima said though the target is ambitious, it is quite achievable. He called on all Nigerians, including policymakers and community leaders, to embrace the Human Capital Development (HCD) Programme.
Shettima stated this on Friday while inaugurating the HCD 2.0 Strategy during a meeting of the Steering Committee of the 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 recognize 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.”
According to his spokesman, Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President, decried the 2018 HCI ranking of the country that showed critical gaps in health, education and employment.
He said the situation compelled the Nigerian government to prioritize 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.”
According to him, “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.
“Alongside healthcare, we are transforming our approach to education. We are committed to fostering an inclusive, functional education system that prioritizes digital literacy, gender equity, and financial accessibility.
“By advancing fintech solutions, online banking, and digital payment systems, we are creating pathways for every Nigerian to actively participate in the economy.”
Senator Shettima explained that 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.
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