The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced plans to improve the country's human capital development ranking. Currently, Nigeria is ranked 135th globally on the Human Capital Index. National Coordinator for Human Capital Development (HCD) 2.0, Rukaiya el-Rufai, made this disclosure in Abuja during an engagement on the implementation of the Nigeria Human Capital Development Strategy 2.0. The strategy aims to build a healthy and inclusive Nigeria with an educated workforce.
According to el-Rufai, the success of the strategy depends on its translation into measurable improvements in the lives of Nigerians. The strategy targets health outcomes, learning and skills, labour-force participation, and livelihoods. It seeks to address significant gaps in human capital development, particularly in health, education, skills, and livelihoods. The government aims to move beyond policy intentions to concrete and measurable results.
el-Rufai urged the media to play a critical role in tracking the implementation of the strategy. She encouraged journalists to intensify scrutiny of human capital development efforts, interrogate gaps, and keep health, education, skills, and livelihoods at the centre of national discourse. The media is expected to question government performance, bring evidence into public debate, and highlight progress and shortcomings.
The government has initiated various programmes and investments across the country to improve human capital development. However, significant gaps remain, and sustained attention is required. The immediate priority is to accelerate results, strengthen accountability, and ensure that evidence informs government decisions and resource allocation.
el-Rufai described journalists as strategic partners in implementing the HCD agenda. She called for stronger collaboration between HCD institutions and the media, including improved access to credible data and greater opportunities for journalists to engage directly with institutions and people implementing HCD programmes. This partnership aims to ensure the success of the strategy.
The HCD Strategy 2.0 places particular emphasis on improving opportunities for Nigerians, especially women and young people, to develop their capabilities and participate fully in the economy. The central issue is not simply the existence of a national strategy but whether it can generate sustained action and measurable improvements in people's lives.
The government aims to ensure that the strategy generates sustained action and measurable improvements in people's lives. The implementation of the strategy requires a collaborative effort from all stakeholders, including the media, to ensure its success. The government is committed to improving Nigeria's human capital development ranking and ultimately achieving a better future for its citizens.
Key points
- Nigeria is currently ranked 135th globally on the Human Capital Index.
- The government has initiated various programmes and investments to improve human capital development.
- The media is expected to play a critical role in tracking the implementation of the strategy.
