The Federal Government has undertaken a comprehensive review of the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within the South-East region, utilizing the 2025 Voluntary National Review (VNR) framework, with the express purpose of achieving the established targets by 2030.
Dr. Babatunde Ipaye, the Lead Consultant responsible for the Development of Nigeria’s VNR, made this announcement during a review event held under the theme of “Regional Stakeholders Consultation” in Enugu on Wednesday.
The event in Enugu, centered on the VNR (a national progress reporting process for the 2030 Agenda), provided a platform for stakeholders from four South-East states to assess SDGs implementation.
Dr. Ipaye underscored the importance of collaborative idea exchange and strategy development among stakeholders to achieve SDG goals.
He said the Southeast Consultation Forum was aimed at discussing ways to tackle critical challenges facing the region.
In her keynote address, Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, said the 2030 Agenda provided a holistic development framework for addressing economic, social and environmental challenges.
Orelope-Adefulire explained that out of the 366 VNRs conducted and presented by 191 countries, Nigeria has presented two VNRs in 2017 and 2020 with the hope to present its third VNR this year.
“Conceptually, the VNRs are more useful when conducted through an inclusive, broad-based and participatory process.
“This is exactly why we are here to consult widely with key stakeholders across the key segments of the Nigerian society.
“This is our idea of the ‘whole of government and society’ approach to the implementation of the SDGs in Nigeria.”
“Incidentally, this year’s VNR is coming at a time the world leaders adopted the “Pact for the Future” during the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) last September,” she said.
She added that through the pact, “our leaders have collectively reaffirmed their commitment to take bold, ambitious, accelerated, just and transformative actions to fast-track the achievement of the SDGs”.
Also speaking, Mr Yahaya Umar, Head VNR Secretariat, said that citizen engagement was vital to the successful implementation of the SDGs.
In her remarks, Onyinye Okpalama, SDGs Focal Person in Enugu State, commended the state’s efforts, rating it high on SGDs implementation plan.
Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, Enugu’s Secretary to the State Government, said the event was for celebrating successes and addressing gaps, noting inclusivity for rural areas and youth via technology.
He urged innovative solutions, partnerships, and amplifying marginalized voices for SDG achievement.
Onyia emphasized the SDGs as a call to action, stating the South-East’s vital role in Nigeria’s progress.
Success was attributed to state socioeconomic policies.
“While progress has been made in the South-East region in areas such as access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, we must ask ourselves: Are these advancements reaching those who need them the most?
“Are rural communities benefiting from these interventions to the degree that we leave no one behind,” he asked.
According to him, let us not only be bold in identifying challenges but also innovative in proposing solutions. Let us strengthen collaborations and partnerships that will drive meaningful change.
“Most importantly, let us ensure that the voices of the people, especially those at the grassroots who we as various stakeholders represent, are heard, respected, and integrated into the overall national report,” he said.