The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has called for more investment in education, health, and skills to enhance individual well-being of Nigerians to drive innovation, productivity, and competitiveness on a global scale.

At a strategy validation stakeholders’ engagement workshop on Nigeria’s human capital development organised for state officials, the forum also called for proitisation of human capital development. 

Deputy Chief of Staff to the President,  Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, who addressed the participants, stated that human capital development programme could not be achieved in isolation, hence the need for the workshop. 

Hadejia who is Chairman of the HCD Core Working Group, stated that the workshop was an avenue to deliberate on and validate strategies for human capital development.

“By sharing insights, best practices, and innovative ideas, we can identify the most effective pathways to achieving our goals,” he said.

He called on the participants to make a difference, and to always acknowledge that “our success depends on our ability to collaborate, innovate, and commit to a shared objective as a team. 

According to him, it is through collaboration, learning, and growth, that they will shape the quality and effectiveness of the human capital development programme.

Acting Coordinator, Human Capital Development at the NGF secretariat Ruqayya El Rufai, said the workshop was critical to accelerate the efforts in improving education, healthcare, and economic opportunities for all Nigerians.

“These rankings underscore the urgent need for action,” she said, but added that while some progress were made, there are still challenges. 

“It is the foundation upon which sustainable economic growth and social progress are built.

“Our goal is ambitious yet achievable: to develop a comprehensive strategy that not only addresses the unique challenges we face but also leverages the vast opportunities available. 

“This strategy must mainstream gender, ensuring equal opportunities for all, and incorporate climate change and climate action, recognising the critical intersection between human capital and environmental sustainability,” she added.