Abbas: Nigeria’s Resolve to Achieve SDGs Remains Unshaken
Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has said that Nigeria’s resolve to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) remained unshaken.
He added that Nigeria’s dedication to the SDGs was beyond mere rhetoric.
The Speaker stated this at the ongoing P20 Summit in New Delhi, India, while speaking on ‘Accelerated Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Nigeria’.
It would be recalled that in 2015 Nigeria embarked on a comprehensive transition strategy from the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to the SDGs, which sought to build on the gains made from 2016 to 2020, scaling up implementation between 2021 and 2025 and accelerating progress between 2026 and 2030.
The Speaker also recalled that Nigeria established the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs (OSSAP-SDGs) in January 2016.
He explained that the office has contributed immensely to institutionalising the SDGs in Nigeria by implementing strategic initiatives and programmes.
Abbas explained that Nigeria has conducted independent country-led evaluations of SDG-3 – quality health and well-being for all and SDG-4 – inclusive education and lifelong learning for all.
He further recalled that Nigeria also sponsored United Nations’ Resolution A/77/L.64, which focused on enhancing voluntary national reviews through country-led evaluations.
“Nigeria’s journey towards the realisation of the SDGs has been significantly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, which strained healthcare systems, diverted resources from other health priorities, and disrupted routine healthcare services, leading to setbacks in achieving goals related to maternal and child health, infectious diseases, and access to healthcare.
“The economic fallout from the pandemic, including job losses and income inequalities, has pushed many people into poverty and food insecurity, making it challenging to achieve these SDGs. It also negatively impacted education, gender equality and climate action, among others.
“However, our resolve to achieve the SDGs remains unshaken. Our approach emphasises inclusivity, ensuring that no Nigerian is left behind. Expanding upon legislative interventions, it is imperative to highlight the establishment of SDG committees in the National Assembly to advance the integration of the SDGs into our legislative processes and actions.
“In recognition of the pivotal role of the OSSAP-SDG, we have consistently increased budgetary allocations to empower and enable effective coordination and oversight of SDG-related initiatives. Additionally, constituency projects by lawmakers necessarily incorporate SDG-aligned initiatives and projects, Abbas said.”
While noting that one of the key roles of parliament is law-making, the Speaker noted that Nigeria recently passed the Out-of-School Children Commission Act 2023, aimed at addressing educational disparities, promoting access to quality education for all and preserving cultural and religious practices.”
