Centre LSD Hosts A High-Level National Dialogue On The Implementation Of The SDGs In Nigeria
Centre LSD
Press Release
Abuja
09/03/2024
CENTRE LSD HOSTS A HIGH-LEVEL NATIONAL DIALOGUE ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SDGs IN NIGERIA
As part of efforts to stimulate stakeholder’s commitments in addressing data gaps for effective reporting on the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Nigeria, Centre LSD in partnership with the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs (OSSAP-SDGs) with support from FCDO-PERL-ECP organized a One-Day High Level Dialogue on the implementation of SDGs in Nigeria.
The Dialogue, which was held at Ibeto Hotel in Abuja March 6, 2024, had in attendance, over Eighty (80) participants drawn from Members of the Federal House of Representatives Committee on SDG, Representatives from various MDAs, Development partners, Civil Society, the Media amongst others. A representative of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. I. Abia declared the Dialogue open while Dr. Bala Yunusa, who represented the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDG presented her Keynote address.
The communique issued at the close of the programme pointed out that participants raised some concerns regarding the implementation of the SDGs and equally resolved on the way forward. Key highlights are:
- Despite the commitment demonstrated by the government of Nigeria through the OSSAP-SDG, the country’s page on the global SDG dashboard shows green on only goal number 12 “Responsible consumption and Production” which does not tell well about the implementation of the SDGs in Nigeria.
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Although there are critical activities carried out by the OSSAP-SDG, many of them are under-reported and therefore not captured on the global SDG dashboard.
3. The SDGs implementation seem not to be properly aligned with Nigeria’s long-term development plan - Agenda 2050.
4. While the 17 Sustainable Development Goals encompasses all aspects of human development, the activities of the OSSAP-SDG suggests a focus on only a few of them particularly - SDGs 2, 3, 4 &5.
5. Although there have been conversations on the inclusion of sub-nationals in the implementation of SDGs in Nigeria over the years, many subnational governments have not adequately demonstrated the political will required to institutionalize the implementation of the SDGs in their states.
6. Alternative funding strategies should be critically considered and explored by national and sub-national governments to mobilize the enormous funding required for the implementation and achievement of the SDGs by 2030.
- Through the Budget and National Planning Ministry, the Federal Government should develop policies that ensure the utilization of donor funds in a manner that prioritize the implementation and achievements of the SDGs by 2030.
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To expedite the impact of the SDG on national development, the OSSAP-SDG need to deepen the implementation of the SDGs by giving priority attention to four key sectors which include – Infrastructure, Agriculture, Health, and Education.
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Civil Society Organizations should deploy their unique strengths in the areas of monitoring and holding government accountable to the implementation and achievement of the SDGs by 2030.
According to the Director of Strategy at the Centre and coordinator of the Dialogue, Mr. Itia Otabor, the conversations on the implementation of the SDGs will be sustained.
He enjoined the public to keep abreast of developments via the centre’s social media handles on: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter: @centrelsd.
Monday Osasah FSM
Executive Director
Centre LSD
