Governors pledge commitment to early childhood development

Nigeria's 36 state governors have reaffirmed their dedication to making Early Childhood Development (ECD) a strategic priority within their respective states. This commitment was highlighted by the Director-General of the Nigeria Governors' Forum (NGF), Dr. Abdulateef Shittu, during a consultative workshop in the North-West zone. The workshop, organized in collaboration with the World Bank, focused on Human Capital Development (HCD).

“

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.

Shittu stated that the governors, in a June 17 meeting, recognized investment in ECD as fundamental to enhancing health, nutrition, school readiness, learning outcomes, and future productivity. He urged Nigeria to perceive ECD not merely as an intervention for a specific sector but as a vital development and economic imperative. "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," he asserted.

“

While national policies and frameworks provide important direction, their impact will ultimately depend on how effectively they are translated into action at the state and local government levels.

The period from pregnancy to a child's fifth year is critical for establishing foundations in health, learning, cognitive development, and future productivity. Shittu stressed that the success of national ECD policies hinges on their effective implementation at state and local government levels. "This places us, the state actors, at the centre of Nigeria’s ECD agenda," he noted, emphasizing the critical role of state officials.

“

This places us, the state actors, at the centre of Nigeria’s ECD agenda.

Furthermore, Shittu called for a coordinated, multisectoral approach, acknowledging that no single government entity can provide all necessary interventions for children's thriving. "Early Childhood Development is inherently multisectoral. No single MDA can deliver the range of interventions that a child requires to thrive. All sectors must work together towards shared outcomes for children," he stated. The workshop aimed to help states translate broad policy commitments into practical, implementable plans tailored to their specific needs and capacities.

“

Early Childhood Development is inherently multisectoral. No single MDA can deliver the range of interventions that a child requires to thrive. All sectors must work together towards shared outcomes for children.