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We’ll Position Nigeria Among Top 80 Countries On Human Capital Index – VP Shettima

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We’ll Position Nigeria Among Top 80 Countries On Human Capital Index – VP Shettima

By: Our Reporter

The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has declared the federal government’s resolve to position the nation among 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 quite achievable, just as he called on all Nigerians, including policymakers and community leaders, to embrace the Human Capital Development Programme.

VP 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 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 had faced what he described as a stark reality in 2018 when the nation’s ranking on global human capital indices showed critical gaps in health, education and employment.

The urgency to address the embarrassing situation, according to him, compelled the Nigerian 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 VP 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.

“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, VP 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.

The VP 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.

VP Shettima Inaugurates National Council to Address Flood, Erosion, Climate

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 on Friday during the inauguration at the Presidential Villa, 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).

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

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

We’ll Position Nigeria Among Top 80 Countries On Human Capital Index – VP Shettima

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Lawan praises Buni’s accomplishments in Yobe

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Lawan praises Buni’s accomplishments in Yobe

By: Yahaya Wakili

The President of the Ninth Senate, Senator Ahmed Ibrahim Lawan PhD, GCON, Sardaunan Bade, Yobe North Senatorial District, has said that since assuming office on May 29th, 2019, the Executive Governor of Yobe State, Rt. Hon. Mai Mala Buni CON, has spearheaded significant accomplishments that have transformed the socio-economic fortunes of Yobe State.

The former Senate President maintained that one of his notable achievements lies in the realm of governance transparency, where he has implemented measures to enhance accountability and public trust.

“In making this a reality, Governor Buni strengthened the Yobe State Bureau of Public Procurement established in 2007 by the Public Procurement Act to promote transparency in government contracting, ensuring that contracts are awarded based on merit and that public funds are utilized efficiently.

According to Senator Lawan, as a prudent manager of resources, Governor Buni’s diligence as an astute administrator won Yobe State the World Bank’s overall top performer award on State Fiscal Transparency, Accountability, and Sustainability (SFTAS) in Nigeria.

“His impactful leadership positioned the state as a trailblazer in due process and transparency when it comes to the conduct of government business and application of public funds, Senator Lawan added.

He maintained that the Buni-led administration has adopted transparency mechanisms that guide the implementation of a biometric payroll system to eliminate ghost workers and streamline the state’s wage bill.

The president of the 9th Senate revealed that these initiatives have strengthened public finances and instilled a culture of accountability within the government.

Lawan praises Buni’s accomplishments in Yobe

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ECOWAS Court Orders ₦10 Million in Compensation in favour of Nigerian Student for Human Rights Violations

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ECOWAS Court Orders ₦10 Million in Compensation in favour of Nigerian Student for Human Rights Violations

By: Michael Mike

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Court has held the Federal Republic of Nigeria accountable for the unlawful detention and mistreatment of Nigerian student Glory Okolie.

The Court in a ruling on Thursday awarded ₦10 Million in compensation and issued directives to safeguard human rights.

The case arose from the detention of Glory Okolie on 13 June 2021, by Nigerian police authorities without judicial authorization.

According to the Applicants, Okolie, along with One Love Foundation and Incorporated Trustees of Behind Bars Human Rights Foundation, she was denied access to legal counsel, subjected to forced labor, and physically abused during her detention.

The Applicants argued that these actions breached several human rights instruments, including the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the Revised ECOWAS Treaty, seeking declarations, reparations, and a cessation of Nigeria’s unlawful conduct.

The Federal Republic of Nigeria refuted the claims, citing Okolie’s alleged connection to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a proscribed group linked to terrorist activities. The Respondent justified her detention as a matter of national security.

In the Judgment delivered by Honourable Justice Ricardo Cláudio Monteiro Gonçalves, the Judge Rapporteur, the Court found that Okolie’s prolonged detention without judicial authorization contravened Article 7 of the African Charter, violating her right to a fair trial. The Court also found that her deprivation of liberty, absent legal justification, breached Article 6 of the African Charter. Therefore, it ordered the Federal Republic of Nigeria to compensate Glory Okolie by paying her ₦10 million for the violations she suffered. It also ordered the Federal Republic of Nigeria to cease the harassment, ensuring non-repetition of such acts.

Meanwhile, The Court dismissed the claims of the co-applicant NGOs for procedural reasons.

The three-member panel of the Court were Honourable Justice Ricardo Cláudio Monteiro Gonçalves (presiding judge and judge rapporteur), Honourable Justice Sengu Mohamed Koroma (panel member), and Honourable Justice Edward Amoako Asante (Panel member).

ECOWAS Court Orders ₦10 Million in Compensation in favour of Nigerian Student for Human Rights Violations

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NEC Moves To End Grid Collapse, Sets Up Committee On National Electrification

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NEC Moves To End Grid Collapse, Sets Up Committee On National Electrification

*** Private sector distributed renewable energy generation vital to increasing electricity access – VP Shettima

*** States’ position on state police due next council meeting

By: Our Reporter

The National Economic Council (NEC) has resolved to reinforce implementation of the National Electrification Strategy in a bid to end the collapse of the nation’s power grid.

This is just as Vice President Kashim Shettima who is Chairman of NEC told members of the Council that access to energy is a fundamental right and not a privilege because electricity is the oxygen of economic growth.

Accordingly, the Council has constituted a committee on National Electrification to help address the challenges in the power sector.

The formation of the committee was among decisions taken by NEC at the end of its 146th meeting on Thursday chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The committee headed by Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, is to work towards deepening states’ engagements within the Electricity Reform Act 2023 and the National Electrification Strategy and Implementation Plan.

Following a presentation by the Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), NEC observed that Nigeria needs a reformed and diversified electricity system, noting that by empowering states, accessibility and affordability of electricity can be enabled, ensuring that all regions effectively meet their specific energy needs.

Members of the committee include Governors Dikko Radda of Katsina, Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe, Ademola Adeleke of Osun, Hope Uzodimma of Imo, and Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau.

Others are Ministers of Finance, Mr Wale Edun; Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Atiku Bagudu; Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu; Special Adviser to the President on NEC and Climate Change; Special Adviser to the President on Power; Managing Director, Rural Electrification Agency (REA), and Managing Director, Niger Delta Power Holding Company.

Earlier in his address, Vice President Shettima maintained that access to energy is a fundamental right and not a privilege because electricity is the oxygen of economic growth.

He outlined issues before the Council that require urgent attention to include energy infrastructure, human capital development, creative industries, fiscal strategy, industrial innovation, and long-term development planning, describing them as foundational to the transformation Nigeria needs.

VP Shettima explained that it is for this that experts and stakeholders from some of the critical sectors have been invited to share their insights and contributions.

He stated: “The past few months of collapses in our national power grid compel us to reinforce the pace with which we are adopting and implementing the National Electrification Strategy. Energy access is a fundamental right, not a privilege. It is the oxygen of economic growth.

“Our blueprints must, therefore, strive to expand access, empower rural communities, and drive productivity, especially for MSMEs. I hope that our discussions today will inspire solutions to light up homes, power businesses, and fuel Nigeria’s industrial future.

“Whatever path we agree upon, it is clear that a private-sector-led distributed renewable energy generation approach is essential to increasing electricity access for households and small enterprises alike”.

The Vice President also urged the Council to take Nigeria’s creative industry seriously, saying it presents an avenue to redefine the nation’s economic trajectory.

According to him, “new technologies have not only amplified the global appeal of our arts, crafts, and culture but also opened up revenue streams and job opportunities for Nigerians.

“Our music, films, art, and cultural heritage are not just global symbols of Nigeria’s soft power but also vital engines of economic growth. We cannot afford to relegate the promise of turning creativity into wealth, empowering our youth, and positioning Nigeria as a hub of innovation and cultural excellence,” he added.

Meanwhile, the position of states on state police will be ready by the next NEC meeting.

Deliberating on the updated submission on the establishment of state police, Council mandated states that were yet to make their submissions on the subject matter should comply within the next one week to enable NEC to come up with a unanimous position on state police at the next meeting.

Other highlights of the meeting include:

PRESENTATION BY THE ACCOUNTANT GENERAL OF THE FEDERATION ON ACCOUNT BALANCES UPDATE AS AT 20TH NOVEMBER, 2024

Excess Crude Account – $473,754.57

Stabilization Account – N33,324,135,076.39

Natural Resources Account – N26,847,747,874.93

PRESENTATION ON SPECIAL AGRO-INDUSTRIAL PROCESSING ZONES BY THE SAPZs NATIONAL PROGRAMME COORDINATOR, DR KABIR YUSUF

The programme is currently being implemented at varying stages in 8 States of the federation namely; Kano, Kaduna, Kwara, Oyo, Ogun, Imo, Cross River, and FCT, under phase 1 of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones.

Under the second phase, a total of 24 States were visited by the selection team to assess their readiness for the programme. The implementation model is a government and private sector-led (SPV) arrangement hence, discussions are underway to partner with private developers & co-financiers on the project estimated to cost about $1 billion.

The SAPZ coordinating office is working out a multi-tranche financing arrangement to accommodate additional States over the next 3 years. It is structured in three tranches.

Prayers:

· Provision of intervention funds for each State’s ATC to boost production.

· Office of the VP to use its convening power in obtaining additional co-financing for the SAPZ phase 2 (SAPZ-2) States.

· Fast-tracking of the BADEA $300m multi-tranche financing for SAPZ-2 by the Federal Ministry of Finance.

Resolution:

Council urged states to key into the programme and noted that the SAPZ will be a game-changer if states give it the necessary support and consideration.

States to hold a special meeting with the Minister of Agriculture and the SAPZ management to address issues and requests made in the presentation by the SAPZ management.

PRESENTATION ON THE NEW NIGERIA SOVEREIGN INVESTMENT AUTHORITY (NSIA) GOVERNING COUNCIL

A presentation by the Minister of Finance requested NEC to ratify the nomination of persons to serve as chairman and members of the governing council of the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA).

Members of the Council, when appointed, shall have the opportunity to raise questions of and give counsel to the Board and Management of the Authority.

Council Resolution:

Council commended the management of NSIA and recognised the importance of the fund towards investment in critical sectors of the economy.

Council consequently approved NSIA’s request to onboard First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) as an alternate custodian.

A presentation by the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) showed the agency’s latest innovations and strategic initiatives including products like a solar irrigation pump, electric vehicles, coal-based fertilizer, NASENI solar home systems, and smart devices.

States were urged to leverage NASENI’s tailored support for manufacturing, industrial development, and access to public sector markets, alongside infrastructure and policy benefits to enhance economic growth.

In its resolutions, Council directed NASENI to repair tractors and other agricultural machinery across the country and scale up the establishment of lithium battery factories in regions rich in raw materials.

NEC Moves To End Grid Collapse, Sets Up Committee On National Electrification

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