Governors’ Forum Reaffirms ECD Commitment, Seeks Stronger State-Level Action on Human Capital

Nigeria's 36 state governors, in collaboration with the World Bank and the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, have recommitted to prioritizing Early Childhood Development (ECD) as a cornerstone of the nation's human capital agenda. This reaffirmation came during a consultative workshop focused on strengthening ECD at the subnational level.

“

The period from pregnancy through the first five years of life represents a critical window for a child’s development. It is during these formative years that the foundations for health, learning, cognitive development and future productivity are established.

Dr. Abdulateef Shittu, Director-General of the Nigeria Governors' Forum Secretariat, highlighted that investing in the critical period from pregnancy through a child's first five years is a long-term strategy essential for Nigeria's future health, education, productivity, and economic prosperity. He stressed that ECD should be viewed as a development and economic imperative, not merely a sectoral intervention.

Shittu emphasized that the effectiveness of national ECD policies hinges on their practical implementation at the state and local government levels. He noted that while national frameworks provide direction, state actors are central to translating these policies into tangible programs tailored to specific needs and institutional realities. This requires a coordinated, multisectoral approach, as no single government agency can adequately address the complex needs of young children.

“

Investing in Early Childhood Development is therefore not only an investment in children; it is an investment in Nigeria’s human capital and long-term economic development.

The consultative process aims to guide states in developing practical, implementable plans that align with their unique circumstances. However, the Forum cautioned that the development of these plans is only the first step. The ultimate success depends on robust implementation, adequate financing, effective coordination, and clear accountability mechanisms.

“

These place us, the state actors, at the centre of Nigeria’s ECD Agenda.

The workshop provided a platform for states to move beyond broad policy commitments towards concrete action, ensuring that investments in early childhood development contribute significantly to Nigeria's overall human capital and long-term economic development.

“

Early Childhood Development is inherently multisectoral. No single MDA can deliver the range of interventions that a child requires to thrive.