FG Targets Top 80 Spot On Human Capital Index By 2030 — Shettima

FG Targets Top 80 Spot On Human Capital Index By 2030 — Shettima

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its resolve to elevate Nigeria into the top 80 countries on the global Human Capital Index (HCI) by 2030.

Vice President Kashim Shettima made this declaration on Monday in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, while inaugurating the state’s National Human Capital Development (HCD) Accelerator Project and unveiling the ARISE HCD Strategy.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Shettima also toured several ongoing ARISE HCD initiatives, including model primary schools and the ARISE Park, an environmental restoration project…READ MORE…

Expressing optimism, the Vice President noted that the ambitious HCI goal is attainable through strategic investments in human development, particularly in education, health, and workforce productivity.

He commended the Akwa Ibom State Government for becoming the first in the country to implement the national HCD blueprint across all its Local Government Areas.

“Any intervention that impacts the lives of our people must begin at the grassroots,” Shettima said. “A nation’s true wealth lies in the health of its people, the education of its children, and the strength of its workforce.”

He further announced the rollout of the Human Capital Development 2.0 Programme, an upgraded phase of the initiative designed to drive greater impact through integrated and data-driven implementation.

“HCD 2.0 builds on the success of its predecessor by incorporating cross-sectoral themes and focusing on measurable results,” he said. “What Akwa Ibom has demonstrated here is not just progress—it’s leadership.”

To strengthen accountability and effectiveness, Shettima introduced a real-time HCD Dashboard that will monitor key performance indicators. “We’re using data to drive results—because behind every figure is a life, a story, a future,” he emphasized.

Highlighting Akwa Ibom’s performance, he applauded the state for significantly outperforming national averages in child mortality and primary school enrolment.

“With an under-five mortality rate of 80 compared to the national average of 110, and only 3.5% of primary-age children out of school against the national 25.6%, Akwa Ibom is clearly leading the way,” Shettima said.

He also unveiled Project Fuuku, a clean cookstove initiative aimed at improving public health, advancing environmental sustainability, and promoting gender equity—building on a successful pilot in Nasarawa State.

“This project not only protects lives and forests, it also empowers rural women and addresses environmental health challenges,” he added.

In a move to ensure long-term continuity, Shettima announced plans to institutionalise a Human Capital Development Fund that would guarantee sustained investment regardless of political transitions.

“To reach our target HCI score of 0.6 and secure a place in the global top 80 by 2030, we must act decisively—guided by data, supported by innovative financing, and with unwavering focus,” he concluded.

Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno pledged continued support and revealed plans to send an Executive Bill to the State Assembly to formally domesticate the HCD initiative at the grassroots level.

He noted, “This administration’s selection of Akwa Ibom for this launch underscores President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to inclusive development, free from political bias.”

Ms. Rukaiya El-Rufai, National HCD Coordinator and Special Adviser to the President on NEC, stressed the need for sustained commitment, pointing out that Nigeria currently ranks 168 out of 174 countries on the HCI.

“Human Capital Development is key to unlocking the full potential of our people through quality education, effective healthcare, and economic empowerment,” she said.

Dr. Nathaniel Adiakpan, Special Adviser to the Governor and Chair of the Akwa Ibom State HCD Council, described the ARISE strategy as a bold commitment to empower citizens through education, skills, and opportunity.

“The ARISE HCD initiative is a major leap toward actualising our collective vision for human development in Akwa Ibom,” he stated.

The event concluded with the symbolic distribution of clean cookstoves to beneficiaries, led by the Vice President. Key dignitaries in attendance included Senator Ibrahim Hadeija, Dr. Aliyu Modibbo, Mrs. Helen Obereki, and Prince Uwah.