August 19, (THEWILL) – At the midpoint of the 2030 Agenda, all of the SDGs are seriously off track. From 2015 to 2019, the world made some progress on the SDGs, although this was already vastly insufficient to achieve the goals. Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and other crises, SDG progress has stalled globally.
The SDGs were initially set for a 15-year period, 2016–2030, following the 15-year period of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). It is clear that the SDGs need to be extended beyond 2030 for Nigeria to achieve the global goals. According to the SDG Transformation Centre, there are recommendations that the SDGs should be extended till 2050, however, what’s Nigeria’s short, medium and long-term ambition for the SDGs? What’s our blueprint and strategic plan in achieving the SDGs? Do we have metrics we are using to monitor progress in each state ensuring progress is being made, impact is well felt, and guaranteeing these developments are well sustained.
Tracking Nigeria’s performance using the Global Sustainable Development Report (SDR) right from 2021 to 2024 reveals concerning trends. Nigeria was ranked 160 out of 165 countries in 2021, 139 out of 163 countries in 2022, 146 out of 166 countries in 2023, 146 out of 167 countries in 2024. Despite various stakeholder efforts, progress has been slow. The 2024 SDR reveals that Nigeria is on track to maintain achievement only on SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), while experiencing challenges and moderating improvements in SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 17 (Partnership for the Goals). SDG 10 (Reduced Inequality) and SDG 15 (Life on Land) show that the country is experiencing significant challenges with stagnation and no improvement. Most other goals, including SDGs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 14, and 16, show major challenges with little or no improvement.
Despite this alarming development and performance recorded in Nigeria within the last 4 years, the SDGs are still achievable. None of their objectives are beyond our reach and it’s highly important we set our priorities right as a country, guided by a timetable which is time bound. This publication highlights seven transformative areas essential for promoting and advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in Nigeria.
SDG-Based Education
Reforming Nigeria’s education system across all levels, both formal and informal, is crucial. Integrating SDG education into curricula at primary, secondary and tertiary levels ensures that no community or individual is left behind. Nigeria needs to ensure that teachers are well-trained in SDG-based learning methods and pedagogies, similar to the Teach for SDGs project, which empowers educators and students. We need to develop comprehensive teacher training programmes focused on SDG-based education. Collaborate with educational institutions to incorporate SDG-related content into existing curricula. Establish partnerships with NGOs and international organisations to provide resources and support for educational reform.
SDG Financing
Achieving the SDGs requires substantial investment in human capital (health and education), infrastructure, enterprise capital, intellectual capital (scientific and technological know-how), and natural capital. Nigeria must ensure transparent and effective allocation of funds, avoiding corruption to facilitate project execution and realisation. There is a need to develop public-private partnerships to leverage additional funding for SDG projects and encourage corporate social responsibility initiatives that align with SDG targets.
Interstate Domestication of SDGs
Each state should integrate the SDGs into their governance framework, involving all MDAs. Encouraging state governments to appoint Special Advisers on SDGs is a transformative step. Nigeria’s governors, ministers, and commissioners should prioritize SDG integration in their mandates. At the state-level, establish SDG task forces to coordinate and monitor progress and also develop state-specific SDG action plans that address local priorities and challenges.
SDG Integration in Nigerian Tertiary Institutions
Establishing centres, departments and faculties dedicated to sustainable development activities across all tertiary institutions can significantly advance the SDGs. Universities in Nigeria should create SDG Innovation Hubs for students to engage in ideation, design thinking, innovation, and incubation processes, fostering community-based and digital solutions. We must encourage universities to establish SDG-focused research centres and institutes, and also promote interdisciplinary collaboration among faculty and students on SDG-related projects.
Leveraging Nigerian Media for SDGs
Media outlets in Nigeria should dedicate time and space to drive SDG awareness and education. Regular segments on radio, TV, and newspapers can sensitize the public, highlight new developments, and promote sustainable practices across states. Another method is to utilize social media platforms to engage a broader audience and encourage public participation in SDG initiatives.
Enhancing Data and Research Quality in Nigeria
Accurate data and statistics are essential for tracking SDG progress, identifying best practices, and facilitating peer learning. Nigeria must improve data collection and adopt new strategies for sustainable production and consumption. Advancing research and ensuring the availability of real-time data and investing in modern data collection and analysis tools are critical. Academic and research institutions should focus on SDG-related studies and provide policy recommendations.
Religious Engagement for SDGs
Religious leaders in Nigeria have significant influence and can play a vital role in promoting sustainable practices. Encouraging religious institutions to integrate sustainability messages into their teachings can drive behavioral change and community engagement. There is a need to utilise religious gatherings and events to disseminate information on sustainable development practices. Advancing the SDGs in Nigeria requires collective effort from all citizens, organisations, research institutions, MDAs, and the government, not leaving anyone behind. Sustainable development is a long-term investment challenge, demanding well-designed, implemented and governed programmes. Prioritising quality education, universal health coverage, zero-carbon energy systems, sustainable agriculture, urban infrastructure, and digital connectivity is essential.
Focusing on six major SDG transformations—quality education (SDG 4), good quality and affordable healthcare (SDG 3), renewable energy and a circular economy (SDGs 7, 12, 13), sustainable land and marine management (SDGs 2, 14, 15), sustainable urban infrastructure (SDGs 6, 9, 11), and universal access to digital services (SDG 9)—will ensure significant progress. Organisations like OSSAP-SDGs, UN Nigeria, UNIC, UNDP, UNESCO, SDSN Nigeria, AIIDEV Africa, LEAP Africa, and NgSDGYouths are working tirelessly to advance the SDGs. Every citizen, organisation and government entity in Nigeria must act as a development catalyst and change agent to bring about the transformation needed for a sustainable future in Nigeria.
***written by Emmanuel Ola-Olowoyo
