The Nigeria Governors Forum says all 36 state governors have reaffirmed their commitment to making Early Childhood Development a major component of the country’s human capital agenda.
The forum made the commitment during a zonal consultation involving state officials, development partners and agencies responsible for planning, health and education.
NGF Director General Abdulateef Shittu said the period from pregnancy through the first five years of life was critical to health, learning and future productivity.
He argued that investment during those years should be treated as an economic and development priority rather than a programme belonging to one government ministry.
The forum said national policy would have limited impact unless it was translated into funded programmes at state and local government levels.
Because Early Childhood Development involves health, nutrition, education, social protection and family welfare, the NGF called for stronger coordination among relevant ministries and agencies.
States were encouraged to develop practical plans reflecting local conditions rather than relying only on broad national frameworks.
The forum also stressed that planning must be followed by financing, implementation and accountability.
Shittu said all governors formally renewed their commitment to the agenda at an NGF meeting in June 2026.
The secretariat said it would continue supporting peer learning and collaboration among states.
Participants were urged to develop realistic programmes capable of producing measurable improvements in the wellbeing and development of young children.
