Nigeria: 36 Governors Reaffirm Commitment to Early Childhood Development

The Nigerian Governors Forum, in partnership with the World Bank, Human Capital Development and the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, has reaffirmed the dedication of all 36 state governors to prioritizing Early Childhood Development (ECD) within Nigeria's human capital development strategy. Dr. Abdulateef Shittu, Director-General of the NGF, highlighted at the North-West Zonal Consultative Workshop on ECD that investing in the early years is a long-term commitment to Nigeria's health, education, productivity and economic future.

Shittu emphasized that the prenatal to age five period is a critical phase for a child's development, laying the groundwork for health, learning, cognitive growth and future productivity. He stressed the need to view ECD as a development and economic priority, not merely an intervention confined to a single sector. The effectiveness of national ECD policies, according to Shittu, relies heavily on their proper implementation at the state and local government levels.

He stressed the importance of a multisectoral approach to ECD, noting that no single ministry can address all necessary interventions for children to thrive. The consultative workshop aims to help states create practical and actionable plans tailored to their unique needs, realities and existing systems. However, Shittu cautioned against viewing plan development as an end in itself, stressing the significance of implementation, financing, coordination and accountability.

The NGF Secretariat will continue to convene and facilitate peer-learning among states to strengthen ECD systems and translate national priorities into sustainable subnational action. All parties were encouraged to develop ambitious yet realistic plans capable of producing measurable improvements in outcomes for young children.