In a bold step to fostering sustainable growth and improving human capital outcomes, the Lagos State Government has inaugurated the reconstituted Core Working Group for HCD 2.0 to drive data-driven policymaking, enhance multi-sectoral collaboration, and accelerate progress in key areas.
The Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat, who presided over the inauguration, emphasized the critical role of data in tracking progress, identifying challenges, and implementing impactful policies for human capital advancement across the state.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony in Alausa, Ikeja, the Deputy Governor underscored the importance of adopting a data-driven approach to HCD. He stressed that “data is the lifeblood of informed decision-making, a vital tool that allows government to measure our progress, address gaps, and shape policies that truly reflect the needs of our people.”
Dr. Kadiri bemoaned the persistent challenge of inaccurate and inadequate data collection in the state and the country at large, noting that the absence of precise metrics has hindered the ability to project Nigeria’s achievements in HCD.
“Without accurate data, we risk underestimating our achievements and missing out on opportunities to showcase Lagos as a model for HCD implementation in Africa. To address this, the Lagos State Government is taking decisive action to support HCD initiatives by ensuring that all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) prioritize the regular collation, validation, and submission of relevant data to the Lagos State Bureau of Statistics.”
The Lagos State Bureau of Statistics, according to him, is the haven of reliable data in the state, and the state government remains resolute in its vision to build a knowledge-based economy where data-driven governance becomes the bedrock of sustainable progress.
He urged the Bureau to optimize its role as the principal repository of statistical data to improve Lagos State’s HCD framework, stating that the present administration will ensure Lagos stands as a beacon of accurate and verifiable data, setting the standard for effective governance and sustainable human capital development.
While inaugurating the group, the Deputy Governor pointed out that the reconstituted Core Working Group for HCD 2.0 is expected to drive impactful reforms, utilizing data to create strategic interventions that will improve education, healthcare, economic opportunities, and social inclusion across the state.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Sustainable Development Goals, Dr. Oreoluwa Finnih, explained that the reconstitution of the Core Working Group marks a new defining chapter in the State’s commitment to socio-economic transformation through strategic, data-driven, and people-centered development initiatives.
She noted that the transition from HCD 1.0 to HCD 2.0 signifies a paradigm shift towards deeper integration of technology, data-driven policymaking, and inclusive governance that places people at the center of development.
According to her, “HCD 2.0 aligns seamlessly with global best practices and the broader vision of achieving the SDGs by 2030,” with a focus on Equitable and Modern Healthcare, Inclusive and Functional Education System, and Promotion of Financial Inclusion.
She reiterated that investing in human capital is pivotal to eliminating inequalities, reducing poverty, and fostering sustainable urban development.
“Lagos, as a pacesetter in governance and development, is poised to lead the charge in actualizing these global goals through deliberate policy actions and unwavering political will,” she added.
Dr. Finnih called for collaboration among all stakeholders to ensure the success of the initiative, emphasizing that collective resolve is necessary to implement data-driven policies that translate into tangible improvements in the lives of Lagosians.
The reconstituted Core Working Group for HCD 2.0 which is chaired by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Kadri Hamzat with the Special Adviser to the Governor on SDGs, Dr. Oreoluwa Finnih as the State Coordinator/Focal Person is expected to bring together policymakers, experts, and key stakeholders to drive meaningful reforms that will propel Lagos to the forefront of human capital development in Africa.
Members of the Group include Commissioners, Special Advisers, Permanent Secretaries, and Directors drawn from relevant Ministries, Departments and. Agencies.