THE NIGERIAN JOURNAL OF SOCIOLOGY AND ANTHROPOLOGY
ISSN: 0331-4111 e-ISSN: 2736-075X
Volume 23, No. 1, June 2025
Pages 165-176
DOI: 10.36108/NJSA/5202.32.0190
Enhancing Human Capacity and Productivity for Sustainable Economic Revitalisation in Nigeria
Patience Kiwang Oben, 2 Patience Undelishima Ushie and 1 Ekwuore Monday Ushie
1 Department of Sociology, University of Calabar, Nigeria
2 Department of Business Education, University of Calabar, Nigeria
Abstract
This paper explores the pivotal role of human capacity development in boosting productivity and ensuring the sustainable revitalization of Nigeria’s economy. Through a narrative review of academic literature, policy documents, and reports, the study underscores the significance of strategic human resource investments- encompassing education, skills training, and institutional capacity building- as fundamental drivers of economic transformation. Anchored in Human Capital Theory, the paper highlights the urgent need for targeted interventions to mitigate systemic challenges, including Nigeria’s high unemployment rate of 33.3% and youth unemployment of 42.5%, which impede economic progress. Additionally, it examines key dimensions of capacity building, such as human capital development, conflict resolution, and political capacity, as essential mechanisms for fostering social stability and inclusive growth. The findings advocate for comprehensive policy frameworks that integrate human capacity enhancement strategies to drive sustainable economic development and national prosperity.
Keywords Human capacity building, human resource development, Nigeria’s economy, sustainable development