FG warns SDGs beneficiaries against breach of due process, approved work plan

THE Federal Government has warned all beneficiaries of Sustainable Development Goals in the education sector, against breach of due process and approved work plan for the execution of their projects and programmes.

Acting Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Dr Hussaini Adamu, gave the charge in his keynote address while declaring open a 3-day Sustainable Development Goals Implementation Status meeting organised by the Ministry in Abuja.

Adamu, in a statement on Tuesday by an Assistant Director, Mr Timothy Akpoili, noted that lack of technical capacities and transparency have been observed to be challenges in the implementation of the SDG projects and programmes.

He, therefore, urged the beneficiaries to share ideas and knowledge that would enable them compute a credible workplan for proper execution of projects and programmes that would give value for money.

“Cash flow, work plan and strategic implementation plans remain mere statement of intention unless they are successfully implemented. The ultimate aim is to produce result and ensure functionality.

“It is therefore important you prioritise the projects and programmes that can be completed with released funds to guide against abandonment of projects,” he said.

The Ag. Permanent Secretary appreciated the SDG State Officers for their steadfastness and collective efforts towards the achievement of SDGs in the Education sector; saying Nigeria is committed to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals by 20130.

Mrs Magdaline Anene-Maidoh, Director, Policy, Planning, Research & Development, in her welcome address, said the objective of the meeting was for the beneficiaries to update and finalise 2016 SDG projects and programmes in line with identified objectives, as well as to prepare cash flow and workplan for 2017 Sustainable Development Goals projects and programmes by beneficiaries.

While noting that improper preparation of work plan had hindered the attraction of needed funds for project implementation, the Director said the meeting provided the platform for beneficiaries to deliberate and chart a new course towards ensuring the achievement of SGDs 4 targets.

She said that the Ministry has engaged in various activities to achieve SDGs 4 targets, including reaching out to other Ministries, particularly Ministries of Health and Water Resources for effective collaboration.

The Deputy Chairman, House Committee on SDGs, Hon. Emmanuel  Udoete and Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, all commended the Federal Ministry of Education for stepping up actions towards achieving SDGs 4 by Nigeria.