Nigeria Falls Behind in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals
Nigeria is struggling to achieve the United Nations’ 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in reducing poverty and hunger. The country needs an estimated $337 billion to implement the SDGs, according to the United Nations Support Plan for the Sahel. Despite this, Nigeria’s SDGs outlook has not improved, and the country still requires over $300 billion to close the gap between the rich and the poor.
The General Secretary of the Federation of Informal Workers Organisation of Nigeria, Gbenga Komolafe, expressed concern over the government’s lack of effort in addressing poverty and the SDGs. "Governments in this part of the world, particularly in Nigeria, are not taking serious efforts to achieve the benchmarks of the SDGs," he said. Komolafe added that policies and programs of the government contradict the stated objectives and actions needed to achieve the SDGs.
Komolafe noted that the government’s programs to address poverty and hunger are often politicized, and those who help them win elections use the programs to enrich themselves. He pointed to the example of the former humanitarian affairs minister, who allegedly misused funds intended to cushion the hardship caused by fuel subsidy removal. The incident was publicly disclosed, but no action has been taken, and the money has not been recovered.
As a result of the government’s inaction, poverty is increasing, with the National Bureau of Statistics reporting worsening multi-dimensional poverty, likely exacerbated by current government reforms. Komolafe emphasized that the SDG programs are fading, and it is essential to revitalize them to achieve the goals of eradicating poverty and hunger by 2030.
The situation in Nigeria highlights the need for African governments to take immediate action to accelerate the implementation of the SDGs. With over $300 billion needed to close the gap between the rich and the poor, Nigeria’s failure to achieve the SDGs could have devastating consequences for its citizens.
