Abuja – …Go to quick implementation at all levels
The federal government emphasizes that achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS) requires complete integration into national and sub-national development plans rather than isolated initiatives.
Princess Adejoke Oorelope-Adefulire, Senior Special Assistant to the President of SDGS (SSAP-SDGS), highlighted this need during Northeast Regional Consultations in Gombe as part of the preparation of Nigeria’s Voluntary National Review (VNR) for the preparation of the high-level political forum held in New York in July 2025.
On behalf of Senior Technical Advisor Dr. Bala Yunusa, she emphasized that the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) has established a High Level Political Forum (HLPF) as a global review mechanism for the 2030 agenda. She is currently running a third VNR in Nigeria, captivating stakeholders across all six geopolitical zones, assessing progress, challenges and future prospects.
Desmond Utomwen, a statement by her special assistant on media and strategic communication, highlighted the urgency to accelerate progress in all SDGs. Citing the 2024 Non-Sustainable Development Goals Report, she noted: Almost 50% show minimal or moderate progress. And more than a third of them stall or regress.
She attributes slow progress in Nigeria to financial resources, the Covid-19 pandemic and persistent anxiety.
Oorelope-Adefulire highlighted the importance of robust monitoring, assessment and reporting (MER) mechanisms, including SDG Progress Reports and VNRs. She called for stronger cooperation between the public and private sectors, the UN Development System, donor institutions, academia and civil society to ensure no one was left behind.
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Referring to the “Agreement for the Future” adopted at the 79th UN General Assembly, she reiterated the world’s leader’s commitment to bold, ambitious, and transformative action to accelerate the SDG. She also sought large investments and effective partnerships from UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, to promote a critical transition in food, energy and digital connections.
In recognition of the efforts of Nigeria’s 2025 VNR’s Multi-stakeholder Core Working Group, she expressed her gratitude to members of various government agencies, the United Nations Development System, private sector groups, civil society organizations, and academia for their commitment.
The Northeast Regional Consultation attracted 150 participants from six states to provide an institutional framework for implementing SDGs, 17 SDG progress, and challenges and lessons learned.
Gombe State SDGS focal person, Engr. Sulaiman Turaki described the consultation as an important dialogue that will form Nigeria’s next VNR. He urged stakeholders to contribute positively, and the review accurately reflected progress, challenges and opportunities, leaving no one in the country’s development efforts.
“This rally highlights our collective commitment to promoting sustainable, comprehensive, science-based solutions for the 2030 agenda,” he said.
He encouraged participants to propose impactful solutions and to promote meaningful change in sustainable development in the Northeast.
