BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF
The domestication and global integration of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Nigeria have become standard practice, as evidenced by comprehensive facts and figures. The successful completion of the Voluntary National Reports (VNR) has marked a significant milestone in this journey.
With international endorsement and a verified process, the latest reports build upon previous submissions from 2017, 2020, and the most recent one undertaken in 2025. These efforts have traversed all six geopolitical zones, demonstrating Nigeria’s commitment to the 2020-2030 Decade of Action Agenda.
The integration of three vital reports — the Validation National Report (VNR), the Nigeria SDGs Progress Report 2024, and the Inclusive Data Charter (IDC) Action Plan — is aimed at accelerating the 2020-2030 Agenda. The endorsement from stakeholders and the international community, coupled with an evidence-based approach, highlights Nigeria’s determination to achieve the SDGs.
Under the Renewed Hope Agenda, all levels of government—federal, state, and local—are aligned to ensure that all preparatory measures are effectively addressed. Efforts have been streamlined to tackle economic, social, and environmental challenges head-on.
This comprehensive event brought together stakeholders, development partners, civil society representatives, academia, and advocates for vulnerable groups, showcasing participatory governance at its best.
With this success, Nigeria is poised for the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) scheduled for July, urging Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, along with the organised private sector and voluntary advocates, to collaborate towards achieving the global goals and beyond.
The position of the Nigerian government was articulated by the Chief of Staff, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila.
Nigeria has boldly advanced the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through the official validation of its 2025 VNR, the launch of the Nigeria SDGs Progress Report 2024, and the unveiling of the Inclusive Data Charter (IDC) Action Plan.
This landmark event in Abuja convened senior government officials, development partners, civil society representatives, academia, and vulnerable groups in a significant demonstration of participatory governance.
In his address, Chief of Staff Gbajabiamila emphasised the necessity for Nigeria to enhance its internal strategies for sustainable development amid diminishing global multilateral cooperation. He remarked, “In an increasingly constrained multilateral space, we must seek sustainable solutions to our economic, social, and environmental challenges.”
He highlighted the critical role of the SDGs as a strategic framework for these efforts, noting Nigeria’s commitment, demonstrated through successful VNRs in 2017, 2020, and now 2025, as a reflection of the government’s dedication to achieving the 2030 targets.
Gbajabiamila recognised Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, for her exceptional leadership in coordinating this vital process.
The 2025 VNR followed six regional consultations conducted in March 2025 across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones, which evaluated progress, identified gaps, and gathered input for the forthcoming HLPF at the United Nations. These consultations underscored the significance of inclusive, participatory, and evidence-based approaches to expedite SDG implementation.
The Chief of Staff called upon ministries, departments, agencies, development partners, the private sector, academia, and civil society to deepen collaboration and mobilise resources, ensuring that no one is left behind in Nigeria’s sustainable development journey.
He reaffirmed the Tinubu administration’s unwavering commitment to the SDGs, labelling sustainable development as a core objective within the Renewed Hope Agenda. He conveyed President Tinubu’s best wishes and noted his strong commitment to 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,” stated Gbajabiamila. “Realising the SDGs means eradicating poverty and hunger, protecting our ecosystems, and ensuring our citizens live in peace and prosperity by 2030 and beyond.”
In her address, Princess Orelope-Adefulire affirmed Nigeria’s deepening commitment to the 2030 Agenda during the welcome speech at the national validation workshop.
She remarked that nearly a decade after the SDGs were adopted at the 70th UN General Assembly, Nigeria remains resolute in achieving them. The 2024 United Nations SDGs Report indicated that only 17% of global targets are on track, with developing countries and the poorest populations bearing the greatest burdens. “The stagnation in progress towards the SDGs is a global issue, but developing countries and the world’s most disadvantaged people are disproportionately affected,” she noted.
Orelope-Adefulire described the VNR process as a crucial element of the HLPF review mechanism, ensuring transparency and accountability at the national level. She highlighted that Nigeria’s 2025 VNR is the result of extensive consultations across all six geopolitical zones, incorporating targeted engagements with persons with disabilities, youth, and children, reflecting a comprehensive 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 stated.
She urged participants to critically evaluate the VNR’s findings and recommendations to ensure a robust final report.
The Nigeria SDGs Progress Report 2024, unveiled at the workshop, offers a detailed analysis of achievements and challenges for each goal, providing strategic recommendations for policymakers at all levels.
Orelope-Adefulire also announced the launch of Nigeria’s Inclusive Data Charter Action Plan 2024, developed in collaboration with the National Bureau of Statistics and Sightsavers Nigeria. “Our commitment to leaving no one behind must be data-driven and evidence-based,” she asserted.
She added that the IDC Plan solidifies Nigeria’s commitment to disaggregated and inclusive data systems as the foundation for accountable development, commending the Multi-Stakeholder Core Working Group for its coordination of the VNR process, which encompasses a diverse membership from government agencies, the UN system, civil society, academia, and the disability community. She also expressed gratitude to Sightsavers Nigeria for its support in ensuring the active involvement of persons with disabilities.
United Nations Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Malick Fall, delivered a goodwill message commending the Federal Government for its inclusive approach to the VNR and reaffirming the UN’s ongoing technical and financial support. “With less than five years remaining, the SDGs are off track globally. However, Nigeria’s participatory approach gives us hope that the trajectory can still be corrected,” he stated.
Fall emphasised Nigeria’s role among the 39 countries presenting VNRs at the 2025 HLPF, providing a platform to showcase transformative, science-based strategies.
He urged the workshop to produce actionable recommendations to tackle 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 sub-national progress from Kwara, Lagos, Gombe, and Edo States as evidence of local innovation driving change. “Resource gaps, data limitations, and climate impacts test our resilience, but they sharpen our resolve to act smarter and ensure no one is left behind,” he stated.
He added that the NGF is committed to supporting states in localising the SDGs through innovation, partnerships, and knowledge sharing. He encouraged participants to transform the validation process into a renewed commitment to the 2030 Agenda, emphasising, “Nigeria’s narrative is one of resilience, partnership, and the promise of delivering sustainable development.”
With significant strides made towards accelerating the 2020-2030 Agenda, the global journey towards realising the Decade of Action has undeniably commenced.
Written BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF at yus.abubakar3@gmail.com.
