Nigeria has officially validated its 2025 Voluntary National Review (VNR) report on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), while also launching the 2024 SDGs Progress Report and the Inclusive Data Charter (IDC) Action Plan, signaling a renewed national commitment to accelerating sustainable development ahead of the 2030 deadline.
The validation event, held in Abuja, brought together top government officials, development partners, civil society actors, academia, and representatives of vulnerable groups in a demonstration of inclusive governance.
Speaking at the event, Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila emphasized the need for intensified domestic strategies in light of shrinking global multilateralism. He lauded the SDGs as a guiding framework under the Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda and commended the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, for her coordination of the process.
Gbajabiamila highlighted that the 2025 VNR followed regional consultations across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones in March 2025, designed to assess progress and solicit inputs for the United Nations High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) in July. He called for enhanced collaboration across sectors to ensure no one is left behind.
Princess Orelope-Adefulire, in her welcome address, underscored Nigeria’s continued resolve to the 2030 Agenda, despite global setbacks. She cited data from the 2024 UN SDGs Report showing that only 17% of global targets are on track, disproportionately affecting developing countries. She described the VNR process as vital to transparency, accountability, and inclusivity, particularly in its outreach to persons with disabilities, youth, and children.
The SDGs Progress Report 2024 offers a goal-by-goal review of Nigeria’s performance and policy recommendations. The IDC Action Plan 2024, developed in collaboration with the National Bureau of Statistics and Sightsavers Nigeria, aims to strengthen disaggregated, inclusive data systems to drive equitable development.
UN Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Malick Fall, praised the country’s participatory approach, noting that Nigeria is among 39 nations presenting VNRs at the 2025 HLPF. He reaffirmed the UN’s support and urged action to address poverty, inequality, and climate change.
The Nigeria Governors’ Forum, represented by Assistant Director Eghosa Omoigui, showcased state-level progress from Kwara, Lagos, Gombe, and Edo, and pledged continued support for SDG localisation through innovation and partnership.
The event concluded with a shared commitment from stakeholders to transform validation outcomes into tangible results toward achieving the SDGs by 2030.
