Developing a National Manpower Planning Policy for Nigeria: The Shifts and New Fundamentals

There is a resurgence of interest in manpower planning in Nigeria. The study shows that historically, manpower planning has been overlooked in the development planning process of the country and the result is the current human development crisis, expressed as poverty, unemployment and social exclusion, being experienced. In the context of the Nigerian Economic Recovery and Growth Plan, manpower planning is needed to bring the development policy agenda into fullness and reverse the crisis. This paper attempts to provide the background to and the fundamental elements on which a national manpower planning policy can be designed for Nigeria, noting the shifts that inform manpower planning. The manpower planning policy envisaged is an umbrella type with linkages to micro and sectoral policies, including social protection policy. The elements and issues that should be embodied in the manpower planning policy are identified. The conclusion is on optimistic note that manpower planning is still relevant but requires a new operational framework.