Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), has revealed that 63% of Nigerians are still multi-dimensionally poor. This announcement was made during an advocacy and sensitization campaign in Kano and Ondo states, highlighting the urgent need for more robust efforts to achieve the SDGs.
During her address, Adefulire underscored the lagging progress of the global community in reaching the SDG targets. She stressed that state and local governments in Nigeria must intensify their initiatives, particularly in poverty reduction, healthcare, and education.
Recent data supports Adefulire’s concerns. The Multidimensional Poverty Index Report (2022) and the National Bureau of Statistics’ Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey Report (2022) reveal significant disparities in poverty levels across Nigeria. Notably, poverty is more prevalent in the northern regions compared to the south.
Adefulire urged all stakeholders to collaborate to overcome the challenges hindering SDG implementation. She emphasized, “The global community is falling behind in meeting the Sustainable Development Goals, and Nigeria faces substantial obstacles. It is critical for all stakeholders, especially at the state and local levels, to accelerate their efforts.”
She highlighted the impact of the Triple C Crisis – COVID-19, Climate Change, and Conflicts – on the SDG progress, noting that only 15% of the targets are currently on track. In Nigeria, 133 million people, or 63% of the population, are affected by multidimensional poverty, with rural areas and the northern regions being the hardest hit.
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Adefulire called for a comprehensive approach to SDG implementation, saying, “The Federal Government has shown a strong commitment to the SDGs, but we need sub-national governments to match this effort. Effective implementation requires a whole-of-society approach, integrating SDGs into national and local policies and development plans.”
Governors Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo and Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano pledged their support for the SDGs. Aiyedatiwa expressed confidence in collaborative efforts, stating, “Through seamless collaboration and innovation, we can make significant strides towards achieving the SDGs at the sub-national level.”
Kano State Governor Yusuf, represented by Shehu Shegagi, reaffirmed his commitment to the SDGs, ensuring that no one is left behind in the pursuit of these global goals.
