By Barth Ikiebe in Abuja.
The federal government has launched a human capital initiative to unlock economic potential and drive inclusive growth.
The Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun participated in the inaugural meeting of the National Steering Committee for the Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equity (HOPE) programme in Abuja.
“The programme is an ambitious, World Bank-supported initiative, aimed at accelerating inclusive economic development through strategic investment in Nigeria’s people.
Chaired by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu and the committee includes key Federal Executive Council members as co-chairs, including Ministers of Finance, Education, Health, Women Affairs, among others.
In a remark, Mr Edun described the HOPE programme as a transformative platform to unlock Nigeria’s economic potential by strengthening health, education, and governance systems nationwide.
He emphasised that the initiative aligned directly with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic renewal agenda, which places human capital at the core of sustainable growth.
“The President’s vision is clear: prosperity must be inclusive. No one is to be left behind”, he noted.
With five states and the Federal Capital Territory already onboard, the Minister urged remaining states to join swiftly.
Mr Edun highlighted the strategic urgency of investing in Nigeria’s growing youth population, noting that African countries will account for 25% of the global workforce over the next 30 years.
He reiterated the Ministry’s full support for the swift passage of the Boreum Plan, of which HOPE is a central pillar, before the National Assembly enters summer recess. “The plan provides the financial framework to deliver globally aligned, state-led interventions in primary healthcare, education, and social development”, Edun added.
