As part of Nigeria’s preparations for the 2025 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) has convened a regional consultation in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, bringing together key stakeholders across the South-South region.
The consultation served as a platform for government officials, civil society organisations, the private sector, academia, and marginalised groups to assess progress, identify challenges, and share best practices in the implementation of the SDGs.
In a statement by the Special Assistant Media to SSAP-SDGs, Desmond Utomwen, the forum aimed at fostering grassroots ownership, accountability, and partnerships to accelerate the achievement of the SDGs in Nigeria.
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, the Senior Technical Adviser, Dr. Bala Yunusa, highlighted the significance of inclusive consultations in ensuring the VNR process captures 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 SDG implementation in Nigeria,” she said.
The statement recalled that Nigeria had presented its VNRs in 2017 and 2020, with the 2025 VNR coming at a critical time following the adoption of the ‘Pact for the Future’ at the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in 2024.
Speaking at the consultation, 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 dedication to sustainable development, highlighting strides in healthcare, gender equality, economic growth, marine conservation, and development partnerships.
“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 said.
The South-South consultation is part of a nationwide engagement process covering regions such as South-East (Enugu), North-East (Gombe), North-West (Kaduna), and North-Central (Abuja). The consultations will culminate in a National Validation Summit in Abuja before Nigeria presents the final 2025 VNR report at the United Nations High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) in July 2025.
The forum reaffirmed the country’s commitment to accelerating progress on the 2030 Agenda while ensuring that no one is left behind.
