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From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
In a move towards accelerating progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Nigeria has launched a series of regional consultations across its six geopolitical zones.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs (OSSAP-SDGs), aims to prepare Nigeria’s third Voluntary National Review (VNR) for presentation at the United Nations High-Level Political Forum in July 2025.
The consultations began in Lagos, marking the start of a nationwide engagement process that will also include Uyo (South-South), Enugu (South-East), Gombe (North-East), Kaduna (North-West), and Abuja (North-Central). These events will culminate in a National Validation in Abuja to ensure Nigeria’s 2025 VNR meets global standards.
Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, emphasised the importance of inclusive consultations, stating, “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”.
In a statement by her media aide, Desmond Utomwen, the consultations focused on reviewing Nigeria’s SDG progress report for 2024, examining institutional frameworks, progress on the 17 SDGs, lessons learned, implementation challenges, and key recommendations.
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Bala Yunusa, representing Orelope-Adefulire, noted that the 2024 Sustainable Development Goals Report highlighted a global lack of progress, with only 17% of targets on track, underscoring the need for renewed commitment and transformative actions.
In Uyo, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Umo Eno, represented by Commissioner Nsikak Nkan, highlighted the state’s progress in healthcare, gender equality, economic growth, marine conservation, and partnerships.
“Akwa Ibom has made remarkable strides in these areas, but we recognize that much work remains to be done,” Nkan stated.
Nigeria’s third VNR comes at a critical time, following the adoption of the ‘Pact for the Future’ at the 79th United Nations General Assembly in 2024. This pact reaffirmed global leaders’ commitment to bold actions to accelerate SDG achievement. The consultations are part of Nigeria’s broader strategy to align its development plans with the SDGs, including the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan, Economic Sustainability Plan, and Medium-Term National Development Plan.
From Akwa Ibom State SDGs Focal Office Ime David noted, “This summit provides an invaluable platform to share best practices and forge partnerships. Together, we can build a more sustainable, equitable, and prosperous world.”
The nationwide engagement process underscores Nigeria’s commitment to multi-stakeholder collaboration and its determination to leave no one behind in achieving the SDGs by 2030.
