The Federal Government of Nigeria and the United Nations (UN) have reaffirmed their commitment to accelerating the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with renewed emphasis on innovative financing, poverty reduction, social protection, and inclusive development as the 2030 deadline approaches.
This commitment was reiterated at the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) Joint Steering Committee Meeting held on Monday in Abuja. The meeting brought together government officials, UN agencies, development partners, labour representatives, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders to review progress under the 2023–2027 cooperation framework.
Speaking at the event, the UN Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Malick Fall, described the UNSDCF 2023–2027 as a strategic blueprint guiding collaboration between the UN system and Nigeria to achieve the SDGs, while supporting the implementation of the National Development Plan and the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Fall noted that the framework represents a shift from previous cooperation models, with stronger emphasis on UN system coherence, strategic partnerships, stakeholder engagement, and alignment with the SDGs. He added that it was developed through extensive consultations with the Nigerian government and key stakeholders, in line with global principles of aid effectiveness and national ownership.
He explained that the framework is anchored on four interconnected pillars—people, prosperity, peace, and planet—which collectively drive sustainable development.
“Prosperity cannot exist without peace, and peace cannot be sustained without development. Opportunities must be inclusive, while the protection of vulnerable populations and the environment remains essential,” he said.
Fall stressed that implementation is taking place at a critical time, as Nigeria advances the Renewed Hope Agenda, prepares its next national development plan, and moves closer to the 2030 SDG target.
Highlighting progress made so far, he said millions of Nigerians have benefited from interventions in health, nutrition, education, humanitarian support, disaster preparedness, and governance.
According to him, over two million people received essential assistance, including cash support during lean periods, while about 2.6 million people benefited from disaster risk reduction initiatives aimed at strengthening resilience against shocks and emergencies.
In the area of nutrition, nearly one million children suffering from severe acute malnutrition received life-saving treatment in 2025, with cure rates approaching 90 per cent. Additionally, about 40 million children received Vitamin A supplementation, while preparedness plans were strengthened to respond to Ebola and Mpox outbreaks across West Africa.
Fall also revealed that approximately 190 million children were reached through polio vaccination campaigns, describing the Presidential Declaration on National Health Insurance as a major step toward expanding healthcare access and ensuring predictable financing for vulnerable populations.
In Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH), more than nine million Nigerians gained access to improved services, while 4.2 million people benefited from initiatives promoting safer and cleaner environments.
Education remained a key priority, with 6.8 million children reached through school programmes across 18 states. In addition, over 66,000 out-of-school children were reintegrated into formal education, while the rollout of the Nigeria Education Information System is expected to enhance planning and management nationwide.
Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, described the Nigeria–UN partnership as crucial for delivering measurable development outcomes and ensuring accountability.
He noted that with less than four years to the SDG deadline, governments, development partners, and the private sector must intensify efforts to accelerate progress.
Bagudu added that recent macroeconomic reforms have unlocked resources previously tied to inefficient subsidy regimes, creating opportunities for increased investment in health, education, and social development. However, he emphasised that public funding alone would not be sufficient.
“The SDGs require more resources than governments can provide. We must unlock private capital and deploy innovative financing mechanisms to support development at scale,” he said.
He stressed that providing Nigerians with access to skills, financing, and opportunities is essential for reducing poverty and promoting inclusive growth.
Also speaking, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Bernard Doro, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that no Nigerian is left behind.
He highlighted the implementation of the One Humanitarian, One Poverty Response System (OHOPRS), a national coordination framework designed to harmonise humanitarian interventions, social protection programmes, and poverty reduction efforts.
According to him, the framework enhances collaboration among federal and state governments, development partners, UN agencies, civil society organisations, and the private sector, improving coordination and accountability.
He also outlined the role of the National Poverty Intelligence Lab, which serves as the data backbone for Nigeria’s poverty reduction strategy by generating real-time, multidimensional poverty data.
“The Renewed Hope Agenda aligns with the 2030 Agenda in its focus on ending poverty, expanding access to healthcare and education, strengthening food security, empowering women and youth, and building resilient communities,” he said.
Doro commended the continued support of the United Nations, bilateral and multilateral partners, civil society organisations, and the private sector, noting that their contributions remain vital to improving the lives of millions of Nigerians.
Meanwhile, the Minister of State for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr Doris Nkiruka Uzoka-Anite, called for stronger institutional collaboration, improved project preparation, enhanced implementation frameworks, and innovative financing models to bridge funding gaps and accelerate SDG progress.
She also urged the media to continue amplifying awareness of development efforts and their impact.
Stakeholders at the meeting expressed optimism that with stronger partnerships, better policy coordination, innovative financing, and sustained commitment, Nigeria can make significant progress toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and improving the lives of millions before 2030.