The Senior Special Assistant to The President on Sustainable Development Goals (SSAP SDGs), Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire has explained how Nigeria has adopted strategic approach to the implementation of the SDGs reports thegazellenews.com
According to Princess Orelope-Adefulire, the strategic approach is anchored on two levels of implementation: national and sub-national levels.
The Senior Presidential Aide spoke on Tuesday, 3 September, 2024 at a programme organised by the UN Women themed, “Closing the Gender Gap: Financing Solutions for SDG 5.
She explained that: “At the National level, we work closely with the Federal Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to integrate the SDGs into their sectoral policies and plans. At the sub-national level, we are working closely with the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to mainstream the SDGs into their medium and long-term development policies and plans. This is our approach to Mainstreaming, Acceleration and Policy Support (MAPS) for the SDGs.”
She noted further that: “Since 2016, the Nigeria’s Economic Recovery and Growth Plan, ERGP (2017-2020); The Economic Sustainability Plan of 2020; The National Poverty Reduction with Growth Strategy of 2021; and Nigeria’s Medium-Term National Development Plan (2021-2025) have all been inspired by the SDGs and the cardinal objectives of the immediate past administration. For example, the Medium term National Development Plan aims to unlock Nigeria’s potentials in all the sectors of the economy for an inclusive, broad-based and sustainable national development.”
She disclosed that: “As at 2021, total investment requirements for the National Development Plan (2021-2025) was estimated at N348.1 trillion, with public sector is expected to commit N49.7 trillion, while the organised private sector is expected to finance the balance of N298.3 trillion. Thus, the role of the private sector in financing sustainable development cannot be overemphasized.”
Orelope-Adefulire said further that, “As we approach the 2030 deadline, the need for robust monitoring and evaluation cannot be overemphasised. Periodic progress reports and Voluntary National Reviews will be needed to track progress or lack of it. As part of the transformative actions needed to deliver on the SDGs, current and future development partner support should refocus on strengthening the integrated approach to the implementation of the SDGs. This includes capacity strengthening and support towards the effective implementation of key initiatives to address the challenges associated with financing sustainable development.”