The Federal Government of Nigeria has reiterated its commitment to strategic investments in human capital development, seeking partnerships with reputable global institutions to enhance policy formulation and implementation.
Vice President Kashim Shettima hosted a delegation from the Hertie School of Governance in Berlin, led by Senior Fellow Dr. Rolf Alter, to discuss potential collaborations.
At the meeting were the Germany Ambassador to Nigeria, Annett Gunther; Director-General, Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), Dr. Abdulateef Shittu; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Amb Dunoma Ahmed; representatives of the Director General of the Budget Office, the Gates Foundation, the World Bank and other officials from the Hertie School of Governance among others.
Shettima restated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu commitment to transforming Nigeria into a continental powerhouse through bold economic reforms and strategic investments in human capital development.
He said Nigeria is actively seeking expertise from the best global institutions to enhance policy formulation and implementation, particularly in human capital development.
According to him, the government is determined to harness Nigeria’s demographic strength by investing in the skills and capacity of its people.
He noted that human capital development is both an economic imperative and a social necessity, pointing out that the country could only turn its huge population into a demographic dividend when it invests in the human capital development.
He said: “Skills are very important, and with our Human Capital Development (HCD) 2.0 programme, we are in a position to unleash the full potential of the Nigerian people by enhancing their capacity”.
He said the President, as a modern leader, is willing to take far-reaching and courageous decisions to reposition the Nigerian economy, urging global institutions to partner with the government in this direction.
“The current crop of leadership in Nigeria under President Bola Tinubu is ready and willing to unleash the full potential of the Nigerian nation on the African continent. We are laying the groundwork through strategic reforms, and at the heart of it is human capital development,” Shettima said.
He pointed out that while major economic decisions of the government, including fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange reforms and energy sector reform were all painful processes, Nigerian people would reap the benefits in sustainable economic growth and development.
He described the Hertie School as a valuable partner in the journey, noting that the school has the track record and institutional knowledge to add value to government’s policy formulation and delivery, especially in this disruptive age.
He said: “We need the skills and the capacity from your school. The world is now knowledge-driven. I wish to implore you to have a very warm and robust partnership with the government and people of Nigeria”.
Shettima also acknowledged the vital support of international development partners such as World Bank, European Union, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and all other partners helping to add value to Nigeria.
Dr. Rolf Alter commended the Tinubu administration for successfully launching the Human Capital Development strategy, aimed at improving citizens’ lives. He expressed satisfaction with the enthusiasm and commitment of stakeholders involved in implementing the program, noting that the zeal and goodwill observed among them were crucial to its success.
Alter pledged the Hertie School’s collaboration with Nigerian authorities to develop tailored programs that address the country’s unique needs. He emphasized the importance of government officials being agile and responsive to changing dynamics, particularly as Nigeria attempts to accelerate its human capital development aspirations.
According to The Nation’s report, Alter believes that the Hertie School and Nigerian authorities can make meaningful progress in achieving their development goals.
