The Federal Government has introduced a human capital development programme designed to fast-track inclusive economic growth through targeted investments in Nigerians.
The initiative was presented during the maiden meeting of the National Steering Committee for the Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equity (HOPE) programme, a major World Bank-supported intervention.
The committee is chaired by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, with several key members of the Federal Executive Council serving as co-chairs, including the Ministers of Finance, Education, Health and Women Affairs.
Minister of Finance, Mr Wale Edun, described HOPE as a transformative platform to unlock Nigeria’s economic potential by reinforcing health, education and governance systems across the country. He stated that the programme aligns directly with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic renewal agenda, which places human capital development at the heart of sustainable growth.
“The President’s vision is clear: prosperity must be inclusive. No one is to be left behind,” Edun said.
With five states and the Federal Capital Territory already participating, the Minister called on other states to join promptly, stressing the strategic importance of investing in Nigeria’s burgeoning youth population. He noted that African countries are projected to contribute 25 per cent of the global workforce within the next three decades.
Edun reaffirmed the Ministry’s backing for the swift passage of the Boreum Plan, of which HOPE is a central component, before the National Assembly begins its summer recess. The plan provides the fiscal framework for delivering globally benchmarked, state-led interventions in primary healthcare, education and social development.