Abuja: The Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, has emphasized the need for Nigeria to bolster its internal strategies to achieve sustainable development in light of diminishing global multilateral cooperation. This was highlighted during the official validation of the 2025 Voluntary National Review (VNR), the inauguration of the Nigeria SDGs Progress Report 2024, and the unveiling of the Inclusive Data Charter (IDC) Action Plan.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Gbajabiamila stressed the crucial role of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a guiding framework for Nigeria’s developmental efforts. He noted that Nigeria’s commitment to the SDGs is evident in the successful conduct of VNRs in 2017, 2020, and now 2025, demonstrating the government’s resolve to meet the 2030 target. He praised Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, for her leadership in coordinating the process.
Gbajabiamila explained that the 2025 VNR was preceded by six regional consultations held in March 2025 across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones. These consultations assessed progress, identified gaps, and gathered input for the upcoming High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) at the United Nations in July. He underscored the importance of inclusive, participatory, and evidence-based approaches to fast-tracking the implementation of SDGs.
He also called for strengthened collaboration among ministries, departments, agencies, development partners, the private sector, academia, and civil society to mobilize resources and ensure inclusivity in Nigeria’s sustainable development journey. Gbajabiamila reiterated the Tinubu administration’s commitment to the SDGs, describing sustainable development as a cardinal objective within the Renewed Hope Agenda.
In her welcome address, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire highlighted the national validation workshop as a reinforcement of Nigeria’s commitment to the 2030 Agenda. She referenced the 2024 United Nations SDGs Report, which indicated that only 17 percent of global targets are on track, with developing countries and poorer populations bearing the greatest burdens.
Orelope-Adefulire described the VNR process as crucial for national transparency and accountability. She noted that Nigeria’s 2025 VNR was the result of extensive consultations across all six geopolitical zones, including engagements with persons with disabilities, youth, and children. She urged participants to critically assess the VNR’s findings and recommendations for a robust final report.
The Nigeria SDGs Progress Report 2024, unveiled at the workshop, provided a detailed analysis of achievements and setbacks, offering strategic recommendations for policymakers. Orelope-Adefulire also announced the inauguration of Nigeria’s Inclusive Data Charter Action Plan 2024, emphasizing the need for data-driven and evidence-based development.
Mr. Mohamed Fall, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, commended the Federal Government for its inclusive VNR approach and reiterated the UN’s support. He highlighted Nigeria’s role among the 39 countries presenting VNRs at the 2025 HLPF, urging actionable recommendations to address challenges like poverty, inequality, and climate change.
The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), represented by Mr. Eghosa Omoigui and Mr. Abdulateef Shittu, emphasized local innovations driving change in states like Kwara, Lagos, Gombe, and Edo. They stressed the importance of resilience, partnerships, and knowledge sharing in localizing the SDGs.
The event concluded with a call to transform the validation process into a renewed commitment to the 2030 Agenda, underscoring Nigeria’s resilience and promise in delivering sustainable development.
