S/WEST STAKEHOLDERS ENGAGE IN CONSULTATIVE WORKSHOP TO CHART PATH FOR NIGERIA’S 2025 SDG REVIEW
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By Oduola F.A
Stakeholders from across the six South-Western states—Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, and Ekiti—converged at the Marriott Hotel, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos, on Tuesday, March 4, for the South West Regional Stakeholders Consultative Workshop on Nigeria’s Third Voluntary National Review (VNR) on Sustainable Development.
Organized by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs (OSSAP-SDGs) in collaboration with the Lagos State Government, the workshop provided a platform for engaging discussions on Nigeria’s progress towards achieving the 2030 Agenda.
Themed “Advancing Sustainable, Inclusive, Science- and Evidence-Based Solutions for the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for Leaving No One Behind,” the event brought together policymakers, civil society organizations, development partners, and representatives from marginalized groups, including Persons with Disabilities, to assess regional contributions and chart a path forward.
In her opening remarks, Dr. Oreoluwa Finnih, Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on SDGs, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to sustainable development, emphasizing the importance of data-driven decision-making. “Lagos has taken deliberate steps to align its policies with the SDGs, as seen in our 2023 Voluntary Local Review (VLR).
“This has helped shape our approach to governance, resource allocation, and inclusive growth,” she stated.
She noted that Lagos remains at the forefront of SDG localization and continues to push for greater subnational involvement in the VNR process.
Delivering the keynote address, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, OFR, Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, underscored the significance of regional consultations in shaping Nigeria’s 2025 Voluntary National Review.
“These dialogues ensure that our national report reflects the realities on the ground, particularly the challenges and progress at the subnational level. Sustainable development must be inclusive, and that means amplifying the voices of all stakeholders, including women, youth, and Persons with Disabilities,” she said.
Stakeholders engaged in robust discussions on key areas such as poverty alleviation, economic inclusivity, climate resilience, gender equality, education, and healthcare. Participants stressed the need for stronger intergovernmental collaboration to bridge development gaps, particularly in data collection and policy implementation.
One of the key takeaways from the consultation was the urgent need to strengthen data monitoring systems to provide accurate, disaggregated data for effective SDG tracking.
Addressing the role of the private sector, Princess Orelope-Adefulire highlighted the need for enhanced public-private partnerships to accelerate SDG implementation.
“The private sector has a crucial role to play in driving sustainable investments and innovation. We must create an enabling environment for businesses to contribute meaningfully to our development agenda,” she said.
Dr. Finnih also emphasized the need for more grassroots-focused SDG initiatives, urging greater financial commitment from the government at all levels.
Climate action emerged as a major focus, with participants advocating for integrated climate resilience strategies across states. The workshop called for states in the region to implement green urban planning initiatives and strengthen disaster risk management frameworks.
The insights and recommendations from the South West regional consultation will contribute to Nigeria’s 2025 Voluntary National Review, which will be presented at the United Nations High-Level Political Forum (HLPF). The report will provide an opportunity to highlight achievements while addressing existing challenges.
As the workshop concluded, stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to accelerating SDG implementation. Princess Orelope-Adefulire commended the participation of all six states and reiterated the importance of regional collaboration.
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