Governors’ Forum Prioritizes Early Childhood Development

The Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), alongside the World Bank and the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, has reaffirmed the commitment of all 36 state governors to prioritize Early Childhood Development (ECD) in Nigeria's human capital development agenda. This announcement was made by Dr. Abdulateef Shittu, Director-General of the NGF Secretariat, during the North-West Zonal Consultative Workshop on ECD, represented by Mallam Yunusa Tanko Abdullahi, Director of Media and Strategic Communications.

Dr. Shittu emphasized that the early years of a child's life are crucial for establishing foundations for health, learning, and future productivity. He urged that ECD should be viewed as a development and economic imperative, requiring a coordinated, multisectoral approach.

The effectiveness of national ECD policies relies on their implementation at state and local government levels. The workshop aims to help states create practical plans tailored to their specific needs, emphasizing the importance of implementation, financing, coordination, and accountability.