Launches SDGs Progress Report and Inclusive Data Plan to Fast Track 2030 Agenda

UN, NGF, and stakeholders rally behind Nigeria’s inclusive and evidence-based approach to achieving SDGs

Nigeria has taken a bold step towards accelerating the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with the official validation of its 2025 Voluntary National Review (VNR), the launch of the Nigeria SDGs Progress Report 2024, and the unveiling of its Inclusive Data Charter (IDC) Action Plan.
The landmark event, held in Abuja, brought together senior government officials, development partners, civil society actors, academia, and representatives of vulnerable groups in a robust show of participatory governance.
In his remarks, Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, emphasised that with shrinking global multilateral cooperation, Nigeria must intensify its internal strategies for sustainable development. “In a shrinking multilateral space, we must look inwards for sustainable solutions to our economic, social and environmental challenges,” he stated.
Gbajabiamila underscored the vital role of the SDGs as a strategic framework to guide these efforts. He noted that Nigeria’s commitment—demonstrated by the successful conduct of VNRs in 2017, 2020, and now 2025—reflects the government’s resolve to meet the 2030 target. He commended the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, for her tireless leadership in coordinating the process.
He explained that the 2025 VNR followed six regional consultations held in March 2025 across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, which assessed progress, identified gaps, and gathered input for the upcoming High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) at the United Nations in July. The consultations underscored the importance of inclusive, participatory, and evidence-based approaches to fast tracking SDG implementation.
Gbajabiamila also called on ministries, departments, agencies, development partners, the private sector, academia and civil society to deepen collaboration and mobilise resources to ensure no one is left behind in Nigeria’s sustainable development journey. He reiterated the Tinubu administration’s unwavering commitment to the SDGs, describing sustainable development as a cardinal objective within the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He conveyed President Tinubu’s best wishes, noting his strong interest in achieving the SDGs. “When world leaders adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, they envisioned a just and truly egalitarian society where no one is left behind,” Gbajabiamila said. “Achieving the SDGs will mean ending poverty and hunger, safeguarding our ecosystem and ensuring our people live in peace and prosperity by 2030 and beyond.”
In her welcome address, Princess Orelope-Adefulire told stakeholders that the national validation workshop reinforced Nigeria’s deepening commitment to the 2030 Agenda. She noted that nearly a decade after the adoption of the SDGs at the 70th UN General Assembly, Nigeria continues to demonstrate resolve in achieving them.
She referenced the 2024 United Nations SDGs Report, which showed that only 17 percent of global targets are on track, with developing countries and the poorest populations bearing the greatest burdens. “Lack of progress towards the SDGs is universal, but developing countries and the world’s poorest people are bearing the brunt,” she remarked.
Orelope-Adefulire described the VNR process as a critical component of the HLPF review mechanism, offering transparency and accountability at the national level. She noted that Nigeria’s 2025 VNR is the product of extensive consultations across all six geopolitical zones, including targeted engagements with persons with disabilities, youth, and children, a process reflective of the whole of government and whole of society approach.
“This national validation workshop not only reaffirms our commitment to the 2030 Agenda but also demonstrates our resolve to ground implementation in inclusive, evidence based, and participatory principles,” she said. She urged participants to critically assess the VNR’s findings and recommendations to ensure a robust final report.
The Nigeria SDGs Progress Report 2024, unveiled at the workshop, provides a detailed goal-by-goal analysis of achievements and setbacks, while offering strategic recommendations for policymakers at all levels. Orelope-Adefulire also announced the launch of Nigeria’s Inclusive Data Charter Action Plan 2024, developed in partnership with the National Bureau of Statistics and Sightsavers Nigeria. “Our commitment to leaving no one behind must be data driven and evidence based,” she said.
She added that the IDC Plan reinforces Nigeria’s commitment to disaggregated and inclusive data systems as the foundation of accountable development. She praised the Multi-Stakeholder Core Working Group for its coordination of the VNR process, acknowledging its diverse membership spanning government agencies, the UN system, civil society, academia, and the disability community. She also thanked Sightsavers Nigeria for its support in ensuring the active participation of persons with disabilities.
United Nations Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Malick Fall, delivered a goodwill message in which he commended the Federal Government for its inclusive approach to the VNR and reiterated the UN’s ongoing technical and financial support. “With less than five years remaining, the SDGs are globally off track. But Nigeria’s participatory approach gives us hope that the course can still be corrected,” he stated.
Fall highlighted Nigeria’s role among the 39 countries presenting VNRs at the 2025 HLPF, offering a platform to showcase transformative and science-based strategies. He urged the workshop to produce actionable recommendations to address challenges such as poverty, inequality and climate change.
The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) echoed similar sentiments. Represented by Assistant Director Eghosa Omoigui, NGF Director General Abdulateef Shittu cited subnational progress from Kwara, Lagos, Gombe and Edo States as proof of local innovation driving change. “Resource gaps, data limitations, and climate impacts test our resilience, but they sharpen our resolve to act smarter and leave no one behind,” he said.
He added that the NGF is committed to supporting states in localising the SDGs through innovation, partnerships and knowledge sharing. He urged participants to transform the validation process into a renewed commitment to the 2030 Agenda, stressing, “Nigeria’s story is one of resilience, partnership, and the promise of delivering on sustainable development.

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFund) has refuted allegations of misappropriation and mismanagement of student loan funds.

In a statement on Thursday, Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, the fund’s director of strategic communications, said some media reports are circulating “unverified, context-free, and inflammatory” claims suggesting that it mismanaged student loan monies.

Oluwatuyi said these allegations are “false, grossly irresponsible, and damaging” to the integrity of the scheme.

TheCable earlier reported that the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has commenced an investigation into alleged discrepancies in the disbursement of student loan funds.

A report had claimed that 51 tertiary institutions were involved in illegal deductions and exploitation related to the NELFund scheme.

The ICPC said that of the N100 billion released by the federal government reportedly for the student loan scheme, only N28.8 billion had been disbursed to students as of the time of the report, leaving about N71.2 billion unaccounted for.

It noted that its special task force has invited key stakeholders for questioning, including the director general of the budget office, the accountant general of the federation, and officials of the Central Bank of Nigeria.

Akintunde Sawyerr, NELFund’s managing director, has also been invited to provide relevant documentation.

The ICPC said N203.8 billion had been received by NELFund as of March 19, 2024, from multiple channels.

These include allocations from the Federation Allocation Account Committee (FAAC), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).

Of that figure, ICPC said N44.2 billion had been disbursed to 299 beneficiary institutions, covering 293,178 students.

Oluwatuyi said no funds have been stolen under the current student loan scheme, which officially launched its application portal in 2024.

“All institutional fees are paid directly to verified institutions, while upkeep allowances go into the verified bank accounts of eligible students,” she said.

“The reports circulating in the public space are based on outdated figures and previous interventions that predate our operations.”

The communications director said NELFund operates an automated loan system to eliminate the possibility of financial misconduct.

Every application and disbursement, according to her, is digitally tracked, time-stamped, and verifiable.

The Saudi Arabian ministry of interior has announced penalties for individuals attempting to perform the 2025 hajj pilgrimage without the required permit and those aiding such violations.

NAN reports that the ministry warned that enforcement against illegal pilgrims began on Dhul-Qi’dah 1 and will continue until Dhul-Hijjah 14 in the Islamic Hijri calendar.

This timeline, starting from the first day of the 11th Islamic month to the last day of the 12th (April 29 to June 10), marks the sacred window when the annual pilgrimage takes place in the holy city of Makkah.

According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), offenders risk fines of up to SAR 20,000 (approx. N8.5 million) if caught attempting to enter or stay in Makkah during the hajj season without valid documentation.

The crackdown extends to those who facilitate or shelter offenders.

A second-tier fine of SAR 100,000 (approx. N42.8 million) will be imposed on anyone who applies for a visit visa on behalf of individuals attempting to perform hajj illegally or found within the restricted zone during the sacred period.

The same fine applies to transporters who aid undocumented pilgrims.

The ministry stated that the fine would multiply for each individual involved, warning that drivers, hotel managers, landlords, and others who assist in hiding such pilgrims will not be spared.

It added that authorities would also confiscate vehicles used in transporting illegal pilgrims if found to belong to any accomplices.

The ministry said the clampdown is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader effort to preserve the sanctity, security, and orderliness of the hajj exercise, which annually draws millions of pilgrims from around the globe.

Meanwhile, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced that the airlift of Nigerian pilgrims for the 2025 hajj will commence on May 9.

Fatima Usara, NAHCON’s assistant director of information and publication, said in a statement that 43,000 Nigerian pilgrims have completed payments for this year’s pilgrimage.