Human Capital Development Nigeria

Introducing our Distinguished Panelists: Ibrahim Abdulahi Shelleng @Ibshell1 is the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Climate Finance and Stakeholder Engagement, contributing to efforts to strengthen climate financing and stakeholder collaboration in Nigeria. At COP31 Türkiye, he will bring a climate finance and policy perspective to discussions on advancing climate action and building resilient communities through innovation and partnerships. Join Nigeria’s HCD 2.0 at the Global Climate Conversation. #COP31Türkiye #HCD2.0 #ClimateFinance #ClimateAction

Introducing our Distinguished Panelists: Dr. Eva T. Thorne is the Chief Strategy Officer at Lagos Carbon, bringing a strategic perspective to climate action, carbon markets and sustainable development. At COP31 Türkiye, she will contribute insights on the role of innovation and strategic partnerships in advancing climate action and building resilient communities. Join Nigeria’s HCD 2.0 at the Global Climate Conversation. #COP31Türkiye #HCD2.0 #ClimateAction #HumanCapitalDevelopment

Introducing our Distinguished Panelists: Habiba Balarabe Suleiman is the Director-General of the Nasarawa State Human Capital Development Agency, providing leadership in advancing human capital development priorities at the state level. At COP31 Türkiye, she will share perspectives on strengthening state-led implementation and building resilient communities through innovation and strategic partnerships. Join Nigeria’s HCD 2.0 at the Global Climate Conversation. #COP31Türkiye #HCD2.0 #ClimateAction #HumanCapitalDevelopment

Introducing our Distinguished Panelists: Dr. Joe Abah @DrJoeAbah is the Regional Director for Africa at DAI, bringing extensive experience in governance, public sector reform and institutional development. At COP31 Türkiye, he will join the conversation on how innovation and strategic partnerships can advance climate action and human capital development. Join Nigeria’s HCD 2.0 at the Global Climate Conversation. #COP31Türkiye #HCD2.0 #ClimateAction #HumanCapitalDevelopment

Introducing our Distinguished Panelists: Michael Ivenso is the Director of Energy, Transportation and Infrastructure at the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC), where he contributes to advancing Nigeria’s climate change agenda across critical sectors. At COP31 Türkiye, he will bring an institutional and policy perspective to discussions on the intersection of climate action, energy, transportation infrastructure and human capital development. He will join other distinguished experts to explore how innovation and strategic partnerships can build resilient communities. Join Nigeria’s HCD 2.0 at the Global Climate Conversation. #COP31Türkiye #HCD2.0 #ClimateAction #HumanCapitalDevelopment

Introducing our Distinguished Panelists: Suraj Wahab Ologburo is the Founder and CEO of Toyola Energy Group, with extensive experience in clean cooking, renewable energy, carbon finance and climate change mitigation. Since co-founding Toyola Energy in 2006, he has championed affordable, energy-efficient cooking solutions across West Africa. His contributions have earned international recognition, including the 2011 Ashden International Gold Award for Sustainability. At COP31 Türkiye, he will contribute private-sector insights to the panel discussion on Climate Action and Human Capital Development: Building Resilient Communities Through Innovation and Partnerships. Join Nigeria’s HCD 2.0 at the Global Climate Conversation. #COP31Türkiye #HCD2.0 #ClimateAction #CleanCooking

Join Nigeria’s HCD 2.0 delegation at COP31 Türkiye for a high-level conversation on advancing climate action, human capital development and resilient communities through innovation and strategic partnerships. 📅16 Nov | 4 PM 📍 Nigeria Pavilion, Antalya @RukkyBE @DrJoeAbah @Ibshell1 #COP31Türkiye #HCD20 #ClimateAction #HumanCapitalDevelopment

Zamfara Deepens HCD 2.0 Domestication Across 14 LGAs The National Coordinator of the Human Capital Development Programme, Rukaiya el-Rufai, has commended the Zamfara State Government for advancing the domestication of HCD 2.0 through the inauguration of Local Government HCD Focal Persons across all 14 LGAs and a two-day capacity-building workshop for members of its Technical Working Group (TWG). The initiative represents an important milestone in translating Nigeria's national HCD 2.0 framework into state-level priorities and coordinated grassroots action. Strengthening these structures will enhance intersectoral collaboration, local ownership, implementation monitoring and accountability across the programme's three pillars: Health and Nutrition, Education and Skills, and Labour and Livelihoods. The National Coordinator emphasises that effective human capital development requires functional institutional structures and sustained engagement beyond the state capital, with local governments playing a critical role in identifying community needs and driving measurable outcomes. Zamfara's initiative provides an encouraging example for other states to deepen HCD 2.0 domestication and strengthen grassroots implementation. @Gates_Nigeria @daudalawal_ @RukkyBE @Zamfara_state #HumanCapitalDevelopment #StateDomestication #GrassrootsImplementation #InvestingInPeople #BuildingHumanCapital

HCD 2.0 Strengthens Lagos State's Commitment to Human Capital Development The National Human Capital Development Programme (HCD 2.0), through its South Regional consultant, Victoria Eze, conducted a support visit to Lagos State to strengthen institutional capacity, coordination and performance monitoring across human capital development sectors. The engagement brought together 17 participants, including representatives of approximately 10 Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), for practical sessions on the Stakeholder Mapping Tool, Maturity Plan and Reporting Template. A major outcome was Lagos State's commitment to institutionalising periodic performance reviews at least twice yearly, with provision for them in the state budget. The state also committed to consistently using the HCD Reporting Template to document implementation progress and achievements. These commitments represent an important step towards strengthening state ownership, evidence-based planning and accountability. Through sustained collaboration with state governments, HCD 2.0 continues to advance stronger institutions, reliable data and improved human capital outcomes across Nigeria. @Gates_Nigeria @LagosSDGInvest #LagosState #StateOwnership #BetterHumanCapitalOutcomes

A Society-Wide Approach to Human Capital Development At the 32nd Nigerian Economic Summit, held on 26–27 October 2026 at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, the National Coordinator of the Human Capital Development Programme (HCD 2.0), Rukaiya el-Rufai, emphasised the need for a society-wide approach to human capital development, backed by accountability and stronger coordination across sectors. Speaking during a panel session on “Business-Led Investment in Human Capital,”she stressed that efforts to scale up opportunities must translate into tangible improvements in people's livelihoods. The session explored how businesses, government and development partners can work together to advance Nigeria's human capital agenda across health and nutrition, education and skills, and labour and livelihoods. Other panellists included Ekenem Isichei of the Gates Foundation, Dr. Joe Abah of DAI Global, and William Benthall of Glovo/Delivery Hero. The session was moderated by Nneota Egbe of News Central Television. For HCD 2.0, the priority is to turn collaboration and investment into measurable outcomes that improve the lives and livelihoods of Nigerians. @officialNESG @DrJoeAbah @RukkyBE @Ekenem_Isichei #HCD2.0 #NES32 #HumanCapitalDevelopment #SharedProsperity

HCD 2.0, CS-SUNN Explore Strategic Partnership to Advance Nutrition Advocacy The National Human Capital Development Programme (HCD 2.0) Secretariat, led by the National Coordinator, Rukaiya el-Rufai, has held a strategic engagement with the Civil Society-Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN) at the HCD 2.0 Secretariat in Abuja to explore areas of collaboration in advancing nutrition advocacy under the HCD 2.0 framework. The engagement focused on strengthening partnerships to advance nutrition as one of the core thematic pillars of HCD 2.0, while leveraging CS-SUNN’s grassroots reach and experience in evidence-based advocacy, capacity building and accountability. CS-SUNN, a coalition of over 400 civil society organisations across 30 states, shared its experience in mobilising evidence for advocacy and promoting accountability for government commitments on nutrition. Both parties identified areas of alignment between the HCD 2.0 nutrition agenda and CS-SUNN’s advocacy priorities. The meeting underscored the importance of stronger collaboration among government, civil society and other stakeholders in driving sustainable human capital development outcomes. Both organisations expressed their commitment to deepening collaboration and engaging relevant partners and stakeholders to broaden support for nutrition advocacy. The engagement reaffirmed the shared commitment of HCD 2.0 and CS-SUNN to strengthening partnerships, promoting evidence-based advocacy and advancing nutrition as a key component of human capital development in Nigeria. #HCD2.0 #NutritionAdvocacy #PartnershipForDevelopment #CSSUNN

HCD 2.0 Explores Stronger Collaboration to Improve Education Outcomes in Nigeria The National Coordinator of the National Human Capital Development Programme (HCD 2.0), Rukaiya el-Rufai, @RukkyBE paid an advocacy visit to the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, @DrTunjiAlausa to strengthen collaboration towards improving education outcomes in Nigeria. The meeting focused on reducing the number of out-of-school children, addressing learning poverty, improving education data, and promoting sustainable financing and stronger coordination between federal and state governments. The engagement underscored the importance of aligning policies, resources, and interventions to ensure that more Nigerian children access quality education and acquire the knowledge and skills needed to thrive. For HCD 2.0, education goes beyond school enrolment. It is about developing knowledgeable, skilled, and productive citizens who can contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s social and economic development. Investing in education is investing in Nigeria’s human capital and future. @NigEducation #LearningForAll #EndLearningPoverty #OutOfSchoolChildren #InvestInHumanCapital #ProductiveCitizens #StrongerTogether

A Recognition of Impact: HCD 2.0 National Coordinator Receives Human Capital Development Award The HCD 2.0 Programme team congratulates its National Coordinator, Rukaiya el-Rufai on receiving the Human Capital Development Award from the Chartered Institute of Human Capital Development of Nigeria. The award was conferred on her alongside the Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard M. Doro, and other senior government officials on 29 October 2026. The award recognises her contributions to advancing Nigeria's human capital development agenda through leadership and initiatives that promote capacity building, skills development, youth empowerment, productivity and improved opportunities for Nigerians. As National Coordinator, she continues to provide strategic leadership in advancing HCD 2.0's whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to improving outcomes across Health and Nutrition, Education and Skills, and Labour and Livelihoods. The entire HCD 2.0 team celebrates this recognition and wishes her continued success in advancing Nigeria's human capital development agenda. Congratulations, Ma!@RukkyBE #HCD2.0 #HumanCapitalDevelopment #NationalDevelopment #Leadership #Nigeria

Zamfara’s Bold Step Towards Quality Education Quality education is fundamental to building a healthier, better-skilled and more productive population. It provides children with the knowledge, skills and opportunities they need to reach their full potential and contribute meaningfully to society. In Zamfara State, Governor Dauda Lawal @daudalawal_ has signed a series of Executive Orders aimed at strengthening education governance, financing, school safety, quality assurance, school health and student welfare. The state has also commenced the distribution of the national curriculum to public schools, alongside reforms promoting inclusive education, STEM, technical and vocational education, and digital learning. These measures provide an important framework for improving the delivery of education across the state. Their lasting impact, however, will depend on effective implementation, adequate support for teachers, access to learning materials and consistent monitoring of learning outcomes. This is where education reform connects directly to HCD 2.0. By improving access to quality education, strengthening foundational learning and equipping young people with relevant skills, Zamfara can help prepare its future workforce for greater productivity and economic opportunities. Sustained collaboration among government institutions, teachers, parents, communities and development partners will be essential to translating these policy commitments into measurable improvements in children's lives. Ultimately, the success of education reform will be reflected not only in policies adopted or curricula distributed, but in children who attend school, learn effectively, acquire relevant skills and have better opportunities to shape their futures. Investing in education is investing in people. And investing in people is investing in Zamfara's future. @Zamfara_state #HCD2.0 #HumanCapitalDevelopment #Education #LearningOutcomes #STEM #DigitalSkills

Nasarawa State is demonstrating how sustained political and institutional commitment can translate the Human Capital Development agenda into coordinated action at state and community levels. During the North Central regional HCD engagement, the state shared its approach to institutionalising Human Capital Development through the Nasarawa State Human Capital Development Agency (NSHCDA), which coordinates investments across Health & Nutrition, Education, Labour Force Participation, Youth, Social Development, and Local Government & Community Development. Importantly, HCD coordination is being extended to the grassroots through collaboration with Local Government Councils, strengthening community-level ownership and implementation. This is complemented by the state’s 2024–2030 Human Capital Development Strategy and Gender Transformative HCD Framework, which provide a structured direction for investing in people and advancing more inclusive development outcomes. Nasarawa is also connecting human capital development with livelihoods and economic opportunity through youth employability and entrepreneurship initiatives, a N500 million Youth Revolving Fund, and efforts to support small businesses and vulnerable communities. The state’s experience demonstrates that human capital development requires more than individual programmes. It requires strong institutions, effective coordination, domestic financing, partnerships and sustained ownership across levels of government. Its approach, including its emphasis on education financing and grassroots coordination, offers useful lessons for other states seeking to strengthen their HCD systems. As states continue to translate the HCD agenda into action, the HCD 2.0 Secretariat will continue to create platforms for states to share experiences, learn from one another and strengthen approaches that can deliver better outcomes for Nigerians. #HCD20 #HumanCapitalDevelopment #NasarawaState #StateGovernance #SubnationalAction #InvestInPeople

Video highlight: HCD 2.0 Media Engagement The National Human Capital Development Programme 2.0 Secretariat held a media engagement to share the progress, priorities and direction of HCD 2.0 with journalists and media organisations. From the progress recorded since December 2025 to the road ahead, the engagement provided an opportunity to deepen understanding of the HCD 2.0 agenda, highlight the evidence behind the programme, and strengthen the role of the media in taking the human capital development message to Nigerians. Human capital development is about people, opportunity and Nigeria’s future. From strategy to action. From action to measurable results. @officialSKSM @gatesfoundation @RukkyBE #HCD2 #HumanCapitalDevelopment #InvestInPeople #Nigeria # GatesFoundation

Strengthening State-Level Leadership for Human Capital Development The Human Capital Development (HCD) 2.0 Secretariat recently convened newly appointed HCD Focal Persons from Cross River, Kaduna, Kano and Sokoto States for an onboarding session focused on strengthening coordination and translating the HCD 2.0 agenda into sustained action at state level. The session provided a common understanding of the HCD 2.0 framework, the role of Focal Persons, and approaches to strengthening cross-sector coordination, stakeholder engagement, knowledge sharing and reporting across health, education and labour force participation. As critical links between the HCD 2.0 Secretariat and their respective states, the Focal Persons will support stronger alignment of state priorities, facilitate collaboration across relevant sectors and contribute to tracking progress and measurable results. Strong state-level leadership and coordination are essential to translating Nigeria’s human capital priorities into outcomes that improve the lives and opportunities of people and communities and The Secretariat looks forward to working with the Focal Persons and states to deepen collaboration, strengthen implementation and advance Nigeria’s human capital development agenda. Inyang Asibong Ismail Aliyu Makarfi #HCD20 #HumanCapitalDevelopment #StateLevelAction #SubnationalDevelopment #InvestInPeople