Zamfara calls for a plan to boost Northern Nigeria's human resources

The Zamfara State Government is pushing for a common plan for human capital development in Northern Nigeria. This plan aims to improve human resources across the region.

This call came from a proposal by a team led by the Speaker of the Zamfara State House of Assembly, Hon Bilyaminu Ismail Moriki. They presented it at the Summit on Enhancing Human Capital Development in Northern Nigeria held at the NAF Conference Centre in Abuja on Wednesday.

The summit was themed “Reversing the Decline, Unleashing Potential for Northern Nigeria.” It was organized by the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation in partnership with the Northern Governors’ Forum.

In a written statement on behalf of the Zamfara State Government, the Speaker pointed out that Northern Nigeria has the highest number of out-of-school children in the country. He also noted that issues like poverty, high maternal mortality, youth unemployment, and insecurity are hurting growth and productivity.

He stressed that these problems can be solved with a united effort on human capital development, especially since the region has a large youth population.

“These challenges are not separate problems; they are one crisis, demanding one coordinated response. No single state can resolve a regional crisis alone.

“This highlights the urgent need for a coordinated regional approach that puts human capital development at the core of our development plans, the health, education, skills, and productivity of our people.

“I therefore call on all Northern Governors to join Zamfara State in creating a Northern Nigeria Human Capital Development Compact and Regional Blueprint based on shared goals, yearly assessments, peer learning, data-driven decisions, and collective accountability.

“Such a framework will help us track progress, gather resources, and speed up investments in education, healthcare, skills training, and social support across the region,” the statement said.

The team also asked for special help from the federal government and development partners to boost human capital development, especially in vulnerable communities in the state.

“Zamfara State faces unique challenges due to insecurity, which affects education, healthcare, livelihoods, and overall human capital.

“Governor Dauda Lawal’s administration has made clear progress in this situation. Still, the scale of the issues we face needs stronger partnerships, more investment, and ongoing teamwork.

“We particularly need support for innovative financing, digital changes, climate resilience, youth job opportunities, girls’ education, social support, and initiatives that can bring real improvements in human capital outcomes in fragile and conflict-affected areas,” the statement added.

The team that attended the summit included Rt. Hon. Bilyaminu Ismail Moriki as leader; Alh. Yakubu Sani Haidara, Head of Service; Hon. Nura Surajo, SA on Human Capital Development; Dr. Adamu Barmo, SA on SDGs; Dr. Husaini Yakubu, ES, Primary Healthcare Board; and Alh. Sama’ila Hussaini Kwangwami, ALGON Chairman.

The secretariat members were Hajiya Suwaiba Ibrahim, Permanent Secretary, Establishment, as head; Suleman Ahmad Tudu, SSA, Media; Junaidu Ahmad Janyau, Director, General Services; and Nura Lugga, Deputy Director, Cabinet Affairs.