As Nigeria prepares 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) has launched a series of regional consultations, starting with a stakeholder engagement in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
According to a statement issued in Abuja on Friday by the spokesman to SSAP-SDGs, Desmond Utomwen, the consultation brought together government officials, civil society organisations, academia, the private sector, and marginalised groups to assess Nigeria’s progress on the SDGs, identify challenges, and share best practices.
Discussions centred on strengthening grassroots ownership, accountability, and partnerships to accelerate implementation. Findings from the engagement will be integrated into Nigeria’s 2025 VNR, set to be presented at the United Nations High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) in July.
Delivering a keynote address on behalf of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, her Senior Technical Adviser, Dr Bala Yunusa, emphasised the importance of inclusive consultations in ensuring that 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 SDG implementation in Nigeria,” she stated.
She noted that Nigeria had previously presented VNRs in 2017 and 2020, and that the upcoming review comes at a pivotal moment following the adoption of the Pact for the Future at the 79th United Nations General Assembly in 2024, where world leaders reaffirmed their commitment to accelerating SDG achievement.
The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, represented by Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr Nsikak Linus Nkan, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to sustainable development.
He highlighted progress in key areas, including healthcare, gender equality, economic growth, marine conservation, and development partnerships.
“Akwa Ibom has made remarkable strides in modern healthcare facilities, policies promoting women’s empowerment, job creation, marine conservation, and strengthened collaborations at local, national, and international levels,” Dr Nkan said. “However, we recognise that much work remains to be done.”
Mrs Ime David, representing the Akwa Ibom State SDGs Focal Office, encouraged stakeholders to leverage the consultation as a platform to drive regional development. “This summit provides an invaluable opportunity to share best practices and forge partnerships. Together, we can build a more sustainable, equitable, and prosperous world,” she stated.
The South-South regional consultation is part of a broader nationwide engagement process, with similar consultations planned in Enugu (South-East), Gombe (North-East), Kaduna (North-West), and Abuja (North-Central). The process will culminate in a National Validation in Abuja to ensure Nigeria’s 2025 VNR aligns with global best practices.
The consultation reaffirmed the critical role of multi-stakeholder collaboration in fast-tracking Nigeria’s progress towards the 2030 Agenda, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to leaving no one behind.
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