Nigeria Targets Top 80 on Global Human Capital Index by 2030
The Federal Government of Nigeria has renewed its commitment to significantly improve the country’s standing on the Global Human Capital Index (HCI), targeting a spot among the top 80 nations by 2030. Vice President Kashim Shettima made this declaration on Monday during the launch of the National Human Capital Development (HCD) Accelerator Project and the ARISE HCD Strategy in Akwa Ibom State.
Speaking at the event in Uyo, VP Shettima emphasized that the cornerstone of national prosperity lies in the development of human capital—through education, healthcare, and workforce productivity. “The true wealth of a nation is measured not by its resources, but by the quality of life of its people,” he said.
He praised Akwa Ibom for becoming the first state to implement the national HCD blueprint across all local government areas and highlighted its standout performance in child education and health metrics. “With an under-five mortality rate of 80, and only 3.5% of primary-age children out of school, Akwa Ibom is setting the pace,” the Vice President noted.
READ ALSO: Palm Sunday: CAN bemoans absence of peace in Plateau
To drive lasting change, VP Shettima announced the rollout of HCD 2.0, a more integrated phase of the development programme, along with the introduction of a real-time HCD Dashboard for monitoring progress.
In addition, he unveiled Project Fuuku, a clean cookstove initiative designed to combat indoor air pollution, promote environmental conservation, and support rural women. “This is not just a health initiative—it’s a strategy for gender equity and environmental resilience,” he added.
To ensure sustainability beyond political transitions, the Vice President disclosed plans to institutionalise a national HCD Fund, emphasizing the urgency of bold action, strategic financing, and data-driven implementation to meet Nigeria’s HCI goal.
Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom pledged continued support, revealing plans to send an Executive Bill to domesticate the HCD programme within the state. “Human capital is the foundation of lasting development, and we’re committed to building a sustainable framework that reaches every community,” the Governor said.
Rukaiya El-Rufai, National HCD Coordinator and Presidential Adviser, recalled Nigeria’s poor HCI ranking of 168 out of 174 and underscored the need for unwavering continuity and commitment. “When citizens have access to quality education and healthcare from birth, the nation thrives,” she said.
Dr. Nathaniel Adiakpan, the state’s HCD Council Chair, described the ARISE strategy as a blueprint to “empower citizens through education, skills, and innovation.”
The event concluded with the symbolic distribution of clean cookstoves by the Vice President to selected beneficiaries, marking a tangible step in the broader national agenda.
Top dignitaries in attendance included Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadeija, Dr. Aliyu Modibbo, Mrs. Helen Eno Obereki, and representatives from the private sector and civil society, all of whom echoed a shared commitment to transforming Nigeria’s human capital future.
