Independence Day Special: Nigeria’s SDG Scorecard

Adeoluwa Adegboye
thebaselineblog
Published in
4 min readOct 2, 2023

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Nigeria’s performance so far in implementing the SDGs

It’s been 63 years since the birth of the Nigerian nation-state. Born from the ashes of colonialism and imperialism, what came forth was a country with colourful diversity, an abundance of resources, and resilient citizens. Since independence, Nigeria has stood out on the global landscape in several ways, both good and bad.

Although there are many metrics with which a country can be evaluated, it is imperative to view Nigeria through the lens of the globally promoted objectives for peace and prosperity: the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The world has changed since the adoption of the SDGs by the United Nations (UN). The SDGs represent a framework by which the world sought to attain an equitable future for all peoples; it originated from the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in 2000. The SDGs were signed in September 2015 by 193 countries, the outcome of that convention was 17 Sustainable Development goals with 169 targets to guide countries across the world in achieving sustainable development, with 2030 as the ultimatum.

Nigeria, being a global player and a regional leader, gains a lot of scrutiny in the implementation of the SDGs as it is supposed to lead by example for other African countries to follow. It is important to understand how Nigeria has fared in implementing the SDGs. The effectiveness of current strategies, and what the future holds in achieving sustainable development in Nigeria.

Prior to the adoption of the SDGs, the MDGs in Nigeria were largely successful, albeit with several obstacles. The MDGs were successful in achieving critical milestones. Among these are the achievement of polio eradication, the successful implementation of a Conditional Grant program (CGS), and the mobilization of community use of health facilities via the village and health care workers program.

The government of Nigeria curated an SDG transition strategy to adapt to the demands of the new agenda for change the rest of the world was subscribing to. The transitioning strategy document was intended to “…develop as soon as practicable, ambitious natural responses to the overall implementation of the SDG to support the transition to the SDGs and build on existing planning instruments such as national development and sustainable development strategies.”

The transition to the SDGs was not an easy task. The complexities and expanded scope of the SDGs resulted in the emergence of new issues that needed to be considered. The SDGs emphasize human rights, justice, social inclusion, sustainability, access to technology, and reducing inequality. Unlike the MDGs, the SDG implementation imposes greater demands and limits on policymakers. Especially for developing African countries such as Nigeria. A complete shift necessitates new institutional processes, regulations, domestication/localization activities, and additional funds and investments.

The Nigerian Transition strategy was themed “Leave No Nigeria Behind” and it involved 5 critical steps as outlined by the UNESCO Nigeria Country Transition Strategy;

  • National consultation to common Africa position
  • My world survey
  • Presidential Summit on the MDGs
  • Global conversations
  • MDGs to SDGs transitioning strategy.

Current Status:

The Sustainable Development Solutions Network monitors the efforts of countries in implementing the SDGs. According to the Sustainable Development Report, Nigeria Ranks 146th out of 166 countries subscribing to the SDGs and it scores 54.27/100. For a Country with vast human and economic resources, the grading is low. Nigeria is a top regional player in Africa and a reputable international counterpart yet fails to break the ice in sustainable development.

The reasons why Nigeria is not faring too well in the implementation of the SDGs include; the absence of a Technology center, or research institute with an updated data science laboratory for innovation, and only a few industries can service the comprehensive need of extraction, processing, production, manufacturing, packaging and distributive functions, Labor population is weak and unhealthy, Health care center are mere consulting room and electricity supply rates and prizes are disappointing, environmental education and awareness is not a priority of the ruling class. Furthermore, there is erosion across Nigerian states. Nigeria still lacks the institutional mechanisms to effectively drive SDG implementation, this is mainly caused by poor leadership, corruption, and the huge economic inequality that bedevils our nation.

However, there is some good news: we are not where we started. The SDGs have made progress in terms of women’s representation in governance, but even small steps constitute progress. Maternal and child health has improved, and electricity is gradually being marketed across the country’s states. However, these have been hampered by food insecurity, environmental damage, and persisting inequality.

Current efforts to actualize SDGs include the appointment of the Special Adviser to the presidency on SDGs, Her Excellency Adegoke Orelope Adefulire. The SDGs have also been recognized in the National Assembly by creating specialized committees dedicated to implementing and monitoring the SDGs in the country and the partnerships between the federal state and local levels have ensured a collective approach toward SDGs. As we have seen, this is not enough.

In Summary

The internal challenges of Nigeria continue to derail her efforts in achieving sustainable development. It is important to reinforce commitment to the SDGs by ensuring young people realize the importance of the SDs.

The Local government is the first place sustainable development starts. It all depends on the people to create solutions that align with the UN SDGs and not be held back by the hurdles on their way. It’s up to us the citizens to build a sustainable future for us to thrive.

Happy Independence Day Nigeria.

From the Baseline.

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Adeoluwa Adegboye
thebaselineblog

Data Scientist & Journalist. I tell stories of social impact and sustainable development in Africa 🌎✨ at https://thebaselineblog.substack.com/