Nigeria has commenced the Stakeholders’ Consultation in preparation for the 2025 Voluntary National Review (VNR) on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The regional consultation for Nigeria’s 2025 Voluntary National Review (VNR) across the six geopolitical zones was launched in the South West zone, with Lagos State hosting the session.

Held under the theme: “Advancing sustainable, inclusive, science- and evidence-based solutions for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals for leaving no one behind,” the consultation brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from Ekiti, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, and Oyo states.

This was contained in a statement issued to the media by the SA Media, OSSAP-SDG, Desmond Utomwen.

Speaking at the event, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, stated that the consultation aims to review Nigeria’s 2024 SDGs progress report. She highlighted key areas of focus, including institutional frameworks, progress on the 17 SDGs, lessons learned, implementation challenges, and key recommendations.

Orelope-Adefulire, who was represented by her Senior Technical Adviser, Dr Bala Yunusa, referenced the Sustainable Development Goals Report (2024), which identified a global lack of progress towards the SDGs, with only 17 percent of targets currently on track. She stressed the need for renewed commitment and transformative actions to accelerate progress towards achieving the goals.

She noted:
“To date, 366 VNRs have been conducted and presented by 191 countries, with 138 countries having conducted more than one VNR. Nigeria has previously presented two VNRs, in 2017 and 2020. This year, Nigeria will present its third VNR alongside 38 other countries.Conceptually, the VNRs are most useful when conducted through an inclusive, broad-based, and participatory process. This is why we are here—to consult widely with key stakeholders across all segments of society.”

She further explained that following the Lagos launch, consultations would be held in Uyo (South South), Enugu (South East), Gombe (North East), Kaduna (North West), and Abuja (North Central), culminating in a National Validation event in Abuja.
Orelope-Adefulire highlighted that since 2016, Nigeria’s Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) (2017-2020), the Economic Sustainability Plan (2020), the National Poverty Reduction with Growth Strategy (2021), and the Medium-Term National Development Plan (2021-2025) have all been aligned with the SDGs. She emphasised that these goals are also embedded in President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

In her remarks, the Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on SDGs, Dr Oreoluwa Finnih, stated that the review is aimed at advancing collective actions to improve Nigeria’s ranking among the top performers in the global SDG framework.
She noted that Lagos State has consistently driven SDG implementation efforts, leveraging evidence-based decision-making to enhance impact.

“The Lagos State Voluntary Local Review (VLR) conducted in 2023 stands as a testament to this commitment, providing periodic assessments of our progress and significantly influencing policies and decisions under the leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. The state’s policies are now more aligned with international development targets, with improved resource allocation, increased inter-agency collaboration, and enhanced participatory governance achieved through the VLR exercise.”

She added that Lagos remains a beacon of subnational leadership in SDG localisation, fostering strategic partnerships and innovative solutions. She described the VNR as a crucial mechanism for SDG implementation, enabling both national and subnational governments to periodically assess progress, identify gaps, strengthen accountability, and promote scalable innovations.

Similarly, the Special Adviser to the Ogun State Governor on SDGs and Water Resources, Mrs Damilola Otubanjo, underscored the significance of the VNR in ensuring full implementation of the SDGs. She emphasised that the process must represent the interests of all Nigerians, as it highlights key challenges and outlines pathways for Nigeria’s global positioning in sustainable development.

Also speaking at the event, the Director of the Centre for Actualisation of SDGs at Lagos State University (LASU), Professor Tayo Ajayi, noted that since the United Nations launched the SDGs in 2015, Nigeria has mainstreamed them at the national level, with Lagos State playing a pivotal role.

Ajayi stated that since its establishment in 2022, the centre has organised two international conferences on SDG implementation, launched the LASU SDGs Youth Club with over 3,500 members, and is now advancing its efforts through the LASU Sustainability Policy to further institutionalize the SDGs within the university.

As Nigerians observe the sacred periods of Lent and Ramadan, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (SSAP-SDGs), Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire has called on citizens to use this time for deep reflection, compassion, and commitment to societal peace and justice.

The Lenten and Ramadan seasons, both marked by fasting, prayer, and acts of charity, offer a unique opportunity to strengthen moral values that align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 16, which focuses on peace, justice, and strong institutions.

Speaking on the significance of these holy periods, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, emphasised that fasting is not only a spiritual exercise but also a means to cultivate discipline, empathy, and service to humanity. She encouraged Nigerians to extend kindness to the less privileged and work towards building a society free of violence, corruption, and injustice, while promoting an atmosphere for prosperity for the people.

“These sacred periods remind us of the power of self-restraint, forgiveness, and community spirit. As we seek divine blessings and prosperity through prayer and fasting, we must also dedicate ourselves to promoting peace, fairness, and the rule of law,” she stated.

A statement issued by her Special Assistant on Media, Desmond Utomwen noted that Goal 16 of the SDGs highlights the need for inclusive and peaceful societies, access to justice for all, and accountable institutions. By fostering values of honesty, integrity, and reconciliation during Lent and Ramadan, individuals can contribute to national stability and sustainable development.

Princess Orelope-Adefulire further stressed the role of religious and community leaders in advancing these ideals. “Faith leaders have a critical role in shaping attitudes and inspiring positive action. Their messages of peace and tolerance can help unite communities and reduce conflicts,” she said.

The SSAP-SDGs reaffirmed the commitment of her Office to implementing policies and initiatives that uphold justice and human dignity, urging all Nigerians to embrace the spirit of the season beyond religious obligations and work towards a more equitable and peaceful nation.

“As believers observe these periods of fasting and prayer, the call to action remains clear—let the spiritual renewal lead to transformative change in communities, fostering a Nigeria where peace and justice prevail”. She concluded.

US President Donald Trump, who has multiple ties to the crypto industry, will host the sector’s top players at a White House summit on Friday, as the field enjoys renewed momentum following his election.

The US crypto community rallied behind Trump’s campaign, contributing millions of dollars towards his victory over Joe Biden, whose administration tightened regulations and expressed skepticism toward digital currencies. Now, they’re seeing their support pay dividends.

Trump has waded into the space personally as well, partnering with exchange platform World Liberty Financial and launching his own “Trump” memecoin in January as his wife Melania did the same — moves that have prompted conflict of interest accusations.

The president’s “crypto czar,” Silicon Valley investor David Sacks, will convene prominent founders, CEOs, and investors with members of a Trump working group to craft policies aimed at accelerating crypto growth and providing the legitimacy the industry has long wanted.

Guests will include twins Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, founders of platform Gemini, with reports that Brad Armstrong of Coinbase and Michael Saylor, the boss of major bitcoin investor MicroStrategy, will also be in attendance.

Hanging over the crypto resurgence is the fate of FTX, the once-leading crypto exchange that collapsed spectacularly when its CEO Sam Bankman-Fried was found to have defrauded clients massively. He is now serving a 25-year term in a US jail.

For believers, cryptocurrencies represent a financial revolution that reduces dependence on centralized authorities while offering individuals freedom from traditional banking systems.

Bitcoin, the world’s most traded cryptocurrency, is heralded as an alternative to gold or as a hedge against currency devaluation and political instability.

– Crypto warnings –

Critics maintain these assets function primarily as speculative investments with questionable real-world utility, warning that excessive deregulation could leave taxpayers on the hook for cleaning up market crashes.

Law enforcement agencies see digital assets as a means to launder ill-gotten money.

The proliferation of “memecoins” — cryptocurrencies based on celebrities, internet memes, or pop culture rather than technical utility — presents another challenge.

Much of the crypto industry frowns upon this practice because they fear it tarnishes the business, amid reports of quick pump-and-dump schemes that leave unwitting buyers paying for assets that end up worthless.

Despite his previous hostility toward cryptocurrencies, Trump has embraced the technology, declaring his intention to make the United States a crypto world power.

His administration has already taken significant steps to clear regulatory hurdles.

On Sunday, Trump confirmed plans for a strategic cryptocurrency reserve where the US government would deposit digital currency holdings acquired mainly from judicial seizures.

Jacob Phillips of Lombard Finance called this potential move “one of the strongest endorsements the industry has ever seen,” noting that several founders and teams have already relocated to the United States in response to the improving regulatory climate.

Trump also appointed crypto advocate Paul Atkins to head the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Under Atkins, the SEC has dropped legal proceedings against major platforms like Coinbase and Kraken that were initiated during Biden’s term.

The previous administration had implemented restrictions on banks holding cryptocurrencies (since lifted) and allowed former SEC chairman Gary Gensler to pursue aggressive enforcement despite the absence of clear legal frameworks.

– ‘Pivotal moment’ –

Addressing ethics concerns, Sacks announced on X that he has divested from his substantial crypto holdings and investments, with industry figures quickly vouching for his integrity.

Friday’s summit “marks a pivotal moment for the digital asset industry,” according to Elitsa Taskova of Nexo, a cryptocurrency financial services platform.

However, meaningful change will likely require congressional action, where crypto legislation has remained stalled despite intense lobbying efforts by investors including Trump ally Marc Andreessen, an influential venture capitalist.

Some lawmakers remain hesitant, troubled by scandals and recurring reports of market crashes, theft and scams.

The recent $1.5 billion theft from the Bybit platform underscores the risks cryptocurrencies still present.

Nevertheless, Dante Disparte of Circle, which issues the dollar-pegged USDC stablecoin, sees growing bipartisan support for crypto legislation.

He attributed this emerging consensus to proposals that include strong transparency and anti-money laundering requirements alongside consumer and market protections.