The desire of SDGs in Nigeria under Princess Adejoke Orelope- Adefulire as Senior Special Assistant SSAP -SDGs of the program to the President, through the comprehensive review of the third Voluntary National Review (VNR), is to streamline the global activities in the country with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Therefore, to achieve the stated objectives and address both global and local demands, the initiative of crisscrossing the six geopolitical zones consisting of South- West, South -South, South -East, North- West, North -Central, North -East can not be overemphasized.
Going by the previous exercise in 2017, 2020, five years down the line, and the need to build on the achievements and lapses particularly with the demands of United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 2024), lagging behind with a low 17 percent of targets currently on track in the country.
The grand and historic flag off for the third Voluntary National Review VNR which kick-started in the South -West of Lagos state, underscores the inculcation of the conduct of Voluntary Local Review VLR , a maiden program by the Lagos state government adopted as a template and replication of what SDGs had done in two previous years of 2017, 2020 and for the third time in 2025.
The significance of the flag off of Nigeria as a country of the third Voluntary National Review VNR demonstrated the collective efforts of both government, private sector, voluntary agencies, advocates, and public spirited individuals to achieve great strides between now and the 2020-2030 Agenda that is just five years away.
“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.”
“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.”
“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 sub national leadership in SDG localisation, fostering strategic partnerships and innovative solutions.”
” She described the VNR as a crucial mechanism for SDGs implementation, enabling both national and sub national 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 SDGs 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.”
Similar exercise in line with the determination of SDGs was also carried out in the South- South with Akwa ibom state as a launching pad.
“As part of Nigeria’s preparations for its third Voluntary National Review (VNR) on the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs (OSSAP-SDGs) convened a regional consultation in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, bringing together key stakeholders from across the South-South region.”
“The consultation provided a platform for government officials, civil society organisations, academia, private sector representatives, and marginalised groups to assess progress on the SDGs, identify challenges, and share best practices. ”
“Discussions focused on strengthening grassroots ownership, accountability, and partnerships to accelerate implementation. ”
“Findings from the consultation will be incorporated into Nigeria’s third VNR, scheduled for presentation at the United Nations High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) in July 2025.”
“In her keynote address, delivered by her Senior Technical Adviser, Dr. Bala Yunusa, mni, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, emphasised the importance of broad-based, inclusive consultations in ensuring Nigeria’s VNR reflects diverse perspectives.”
“The VNRs are most useful when conducted through an inclusive, participatory process. ”
“This is why we are here—to consult widely with key stakeholders across all segments of society. This is our ‘whole-of-government and whole-of-society’ approach to SDGs implementation in Nigeria,” she stated.
“She highlighted that Nigeria had previously presented VNRs in 2017 and 2020 and noted that the 2025 review comes at a critical time, following the adoption of the ‘Pact for the Future’ at the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in 2024.”
“Through this pact, world leaders have reaffirmed their commitment to take bold, ambitious, and transformative actions to fast-track the achievement of the SDGs,” she added.
“The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, represented by the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. Nsikak Linus Nkan, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to sustainable development, highlighting progress in key areas.”
“Akwa Ibom has made remarkable strides in healthcare, gender equality, economic growth, marine conservation, and development partnerships,” Dr. Nkan stated.
“He outlined the state’s focus on five key SDGs, including investments in modern healthcare facilities, policies promoting women’s empowerment, job creation and entrepreneurship support, marine conservation efforts, and strengthened collaborations at local, national, and international levels.”
“Our achievements are a testament to the dedication of government, civil society, and all stakeholders involved. However, we recognise that much work remains to be done,” he added.
“In her goodwill message, Mrs. Ime David, representing the Akwa Ibom State SDGs Focal Office, commended the organisers and encouraged stakeholders to leverage the consultation as an opportunity to drive regional development.”
“This summit provides an invaluable platform to share best practices and forge partnerships. Together, we can build a more sustainable, equitable, and prosperous world,” she said.
“The South-South regional consultation is part of a nationwide engagement process, with similar consultations scheduled in Enugu (South-East), Gombe (North-East), Kaduna (North-West), and Abuja (North-Central). The process will culminate in a National Validation in Abuja, ensuring that Nigeria’s 2025 VNR meets global standards.”
“The consultation in Uyo reaffirmed the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration in accelerating Nigeria’s progress towards the 2030 Agenda, with a commitment to leaving no one behind.”
The South -East Zone of SDGs Voluntary National Review VNR was also held at Enugu , the Enugu state capital to sensitise the South easterners on the veracity , authenticity and workability of the 17 SDGs goals program.
“As Nigeria prepares for its third Voluntary National Review (VNR) on the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), key stakeholders across the South-East Geopolitical Zone have assessed the region’s implementation efforts, highlighting the need for strategic collaboration and continuous peer review to accelerate progress on the SDGs.”
“The assessment was part of the South-East Regional Consultation on Nigeria’s 2025 Voluntary National Review (VNR), convened by the Special Assistant on Media to the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs in Enugu.”
“According to a statement released by the Special Assistant on Media to the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, the consultation served as a crucial platform for dialogue, collaboration, and strategic planning, as well as the evaluation of progress, challenges, and opportunities in implementing the SDGs.”
“In his opening remarks, the Governor of Enugu State, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Chidiebere Onyia, underscored the significance of the consultation in driving inclusive SDGs progress. ”
“He emphasised the need to celebrate achievements while identifying gaps and fostering innovation, particularly for rural communities and youth.”
“The SDGs are a call to action for every region, community, and individual. The South-East, with its strong human capital, entrepreneurial spirit, and resilience, has a crucial role to play in accelerating SDG implementation in Nigeria,” Onyia stated.
“While acknowledging improvements in education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, Onyia urged stakeholders to ensure that development efforts prioritise marginalised communities. ”
“He called for bold solutions and enhanced collaboration to drive meaningful change in the region.”
“Delivering the keynote address, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, represented by the Head of the Conditional Grant Scheme in the Office, Dr Ifeyinwa Ukaegbu, highlighted the importance of the 2030 Agenda as a comprehensive framework for addressing economic, social, and environmental challenges. ,”
“She noted that Nigeria, having previously presented VNRs in 2017 and 2020, is preparing for its third review in 2025.”
“Effective VNRs rely on inclusive, broad-based, and participatory processes. That is why we are engaging with diverse stakeholders across Nigeria to ensure a ‘whole-of-government and society’ approach to SDG implementation,” she emphasised.”
“She further noted that the 2025 VNR aligns with global commitments, particularly following the adoption of the “Pact for the Future” at the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in September 2024.”
“The Pact reaffirms world leaders’ commitment to bold, accelerated, and transformative actions to fast-track SDGs achievement,” she added.
“Dr Babatunde Ipaye, Lead Consultant for Nigeria’s 2025 VNR, emphasised the importance of collaboration in exchanging ideas and developing actionable insights for SDGs implementation, while the SDGs Focal Person for Enugu State, Engineer Onyinye Akubuilo, praised the state’s commitment to sustainable development, attributing its progress to the socioeconomic policies of the state government, which have facilitated effective SDGs implementation.”
“This year’s VNR, themed “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,” saw participation from government representatives, academia, people with disabilities, youth groups, and civil society organisations across the South-East states.”
“The outcomes of the consultation will play a vital role in shaping Nigeria’s 2025 VNR, contributing to the nation’s ongoing efforts to achieve the SDGs and ensuring that no one is left behind.”
With the success story , similar program will move to the North -Central, North- West, North- East known for its vulnerability in social stratification desiring attention and mitigation.
The determination of Nigeria’s SDGs leadership and management to attain seamless records towards the decade of action was an indicator of the
current exercise been carried under the leadership of SSAP -SDGs, Princess Adejoke Adefulire.
*ABUBAKAR YUSUF can be reached on [email protected].
