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| VP Kashim Shettima delivering virtual address at 2025 World Bank/IMF Spring Meetings |
Vice President Kashim Shettima has asked other countries to step up and work with Nigeria on its Human Capital Development 2.0 plan. He spoke at a high-level roundtable during the 2025 World Bank/IMF Spring Meetings held last week.
Nigeria’s Human Capital Index (HCI) score stands at just 0.36 out of 1.00. This lag falls below the average for Sub-Saharan Africa (0.40) and lower-middle-income nations (0.48).
Under HCD 2.0, the government aims to boost health, skills, and workforce readiness. Six “quick wins” in health, education, and work life will guide policy and show clear progress.
Shettima said success will hinge on data-led, proof-based work and strong political support. He called for a living dashboard to track each goal.
The vice president stressed that real gains come from clear numbers and open reports. He urged partners to share state-level data so local needs shape each move.
“True national wealth is found not in natural resources, but in human potential,” Shettima said. He asked the World Bank, IMF, and other bodies to back Nigeria’s drive with technical help and funds.
The World Bank’s Human Capital Project now includes 94 governments that promise to invest in people. Shettima wants Nigeria to tap that network for training, health care, and tech access.
Key World Bank figures joined the talk, among them Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed (Executive Director), Trina Haque (Regional Human Dev. Director), Tina George (Social Protection Lead), and Norbert Shady (Chief Economist for Human Development).
Nigeria’s team also included Senator Ibrahim Hadejia (HCD core group chair) and Rukaiya El-Rufai (National HCD coordinator).
HCD 2.0 is meant to equip Nigeria for climate change, digital shifts, and a changing job market. The plan will push vaccine reach, school quality, and job skills in key areas first.
Shettima said Nigeria will back each project with clear funds and laws. He vowed to keep the plan alive beyond one term, making human capital a top national goal.
Readers: How can Nigeria’s states join this drive? Share your views on fair data use and quick wins you think matter most. Let’s talk about how best to unlock human potential.