Vice-President Kashim Shettima has highlighted the urgent need to address the low labour force participation in Nigeria, which is exacerbated by a staggering unemployment rate. He believes that reversing this trend is crucial for the nation’s development. During the launch of the Nasarawa State Human Capital Development Strategy Document and the Gender Transformative Human Capital Development Policy Framework in Lafia, the state capital, he made this assertion.
Shettima articulated the administration’s commitment to empowering Nigerians with skills that are competitive on a global scale. This initiative aims to ensure that Nigerian workers can thrive not only within the country but also in the international job market. He pointed out that the current state of the education system, characterized by low mean years of schooling and high pupil-to-teacher ratios, is distressing.
The Vice-President expressed his frustration with the alarming number of youths who are not engaged in employment, education, or training. He stated that the issues of high unemployment, a growing informal sector, and low labour force participation must be reversed to create a more robust economy. This challenge is at the forefront of the Human Capital Development Programme designed to address these concerns.
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Shettima referred to the ongoing discussions at the National Economic Council regarding the vision for the ideal nation and the pathways to achieve it. He underscored that the current situation is a dystopia that needs urgent attention and action from all stakeholders involved. The government is determined to implement strategies that will foster economic growth and development.
Furthermore, the Vice-President lamented the unfortunate reality that the ECOWAS region ranks the lowest on the global Human Capital Development Index. He framed this ranking as a call to action for all countries and sub-national entities to rise to the occasion. The focus must be on improving human capital to foster sustainable development across the region.
In his remarks, Shettima emphasized that every child deserves access to quality education and equitable healthcare. He believes that these fundamental rights are essential for building a prosperous future for the nation. The workforce must also be equipped with the skills necessary to succeed in the rapidly evolving 21st-century economy.
The Vice-President praised the leadership and vision of Governor Abdullahi Sule, attributing the launch of the strategy document and policy framework in Nasarawa to his forward-thinking approach. He described this initiative as a significant step towards making a tangible difference in the lives of the people.
Shettima’s statements reflect a broader commitment to human capital development as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s economic strategy. By focusing on education, healthcare, and workforce skills, the administration aims to create a more competitive and resilient economy. This vision aligns with the need for Nigeria to adapt to global economic changes.
The Vice-President concluded by reiterating the government’s dedication to implementing policies that will empower Nigerians. He believes that through concerted efforts and strategic planning, the nation can overcome its current challenges and build a brighter future for its citizens.
In summary, Vice-President Kashim Shettima’s remarks underscore the critical need for action in addressing unemployment and enhancing human capital in Nigeria. The administration is committed to ensuring that every Nigerian has the opportunity to succeed in both the local and global job markets.
