Since 2017 (2 years after the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals), Nigeria volunteered to be among the countries to review the progress of the 2030 SDG Agenda via the Voluntary National Review (VNR) presentation.
The Voluntary review presentations are annual reviews presented to the UN High Level Political Forum on Sustainability Development (HPLF) which is subsidiary body of both the United Nations General Assembly and the United Nations Economic and Social Council responsible for the adoption of negotiated declarations; reviews commitment and the progress of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals.
Nigeria’s first review presentation was in 2017 amongst 44 other countries which volunteered. The second most recent review was in 2020.
In July 2020, Nigeria volunteered alongside 46 other countries for VNR under President Muhammadu Buhari. This presentation was however made online for the first time, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Mr President gave progress of the seven SDGs which are core to Nigeria.
In no specific order, the Seven Core Goals include:
SDG1- No Poverty
SDG4- Quality Education
SDG5- Gender Equality
SDG8- Decent Work and Economic Growth
SDG16- Peace and Justice Strong Institutions
SDG17- Partnerships to Achieve Goal
As reported by Presient Muhammadu Buhari, though there were some progresses, year 2020 which is referred to as ‘Decade of Action’ was tagged to have slow progress.
So far, Nigeria has been ranked 160 out of 193 on the 2020 world’s SDG index.
Amongst other organizations such as the UNDP, Sahara Foundation is dedicated to accomplishing the SDGs and moving Nigeria to the top ranking countries on the world’s SDG index.
