By Ahmed Ahmed 

Experts and stakeholders have called on governments of Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe to strengthen investment in Early Childhood Development (ECD) to secure better outcomes for children and Nigeria’s future human capital.

The call was made at a three-day North-East State Engagement on ECD held on Monday in Maiduguri, aimed at translating evidence and policy discussions into practical, state-owned action plans.

Representing the Country Focal Point, ECD Nigeria, Mr Alademehin Oladipo of the Budget Office of the Federation said investment in the early years yielded lasting benefits in child survival, nutrition, learning, productivity and future earnings.

Oladipo urged states to use available data to identify gaps, prioritise realistic interventions, and determine how programmes would be financed, implemented, and monitored.

He stressed that ECD was a state-led agenda, with the national level providing technical support and coordination rather than imposing uniform models.

Representing the Director-General of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum Secretariat, Yabalu Abacha said the period from pregnancy to a child’s first five years was critical for health, learning, cognitive development and future productivity.

Facilitator Dr. Megor Ikuenobe said the first 2,000 days required adequate nutrition, healthcare, responsive caregiving, early learning, stimulation, safety, and security.

She urged stakeholders to develop locally relevant solutions that reached children at ward, communit,  and household levels.

The engagement is expected to produce state-specific ECD plans covering financing, governance, accountability, and implementation.