The regional consultation on Nigeria’s 2025 voluntary national review (VNR) for the South east zone is a crucial step towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) in Nigeria.
The consultation which took place at the old government house Enugu, brought together stakeholders from various sectors to discuss progress,challenges and opportunities for implementing the SDG in the south east zone.
In an opening remark,the Secretary to the Enugu State Government, Professor Chidiebere Onyia, described the event as a platform to celebrate successes, reflect on gaps, and ensure inclusivity, particularly for rural communities and youth, while leveraging technology for progress.
Professor Onyia urged participants to focus on innovative solutions, strengthen partnerships, and amplify marginalized voices to transform the SDGs into reality in the South-East and Nigeria.
“The SDGs are not just global aspirations—they are a call to action for every region, community, and individual. The South-East, with its rich human capital, entrepreneurial spirit, and resilience, has a vital role to play in accelerating progress on the sustainable development goals in Nigeria.”
“While progress has been made in the South-East Region in areas such as access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, we must ask ourselves: Are these advancements reaching those who need them the most? Are rural communities benefiting from these interventions to the degree that we leave no one behind?”
“Let us not only be bold in identifying challenges but also innovative in proposing solutions. Let us strengthen collaborations and partnerships that will drive meaningful change. Most importantly, let us ensure that the voices of the people—especially those at the grassroots who we as various stakeholders represent, are heard, respected, and integrated into the overall national report.”
In a keynote Address by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals, Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire,who was represented by Dr Yahaya, said that the 2030 Agenda provides a holistic development framework for addressing economic, social and environmental challenges.
Adefulire explained that out of the 366 VNRs conducted and presented by 191 countries, Nigeria has presented two VNRs in 2017 and 2020 with the hope to present its third VNR this year.
“Conceptually, the VNRs are more useful when conducted through an inclusive, broad-based and participatory process….this is exactly why we are here to consult widely with key stakeholders across the key segments of the Nigerian society. This is our idea of the “whole of government and society” approach to the implementation of the SDGs in Nigeria.”
“Incidentally, this year’s VNR is coming at a time the World leaders adopted the “Pact for the Future” during the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) last September. Through the “Pact”, our leaders have collectively reaffirmed their commitment to take bold, ambitious, accelerated, just and transformative actions to fast-track the achievement of the SDGs.” She added.
Similarly, Lead Consultant for the Development of Nigeria’s Voluntary National Review (VNR) 2025, Dr. Babatunde Ipaye, emphasized the importance of key stakeholders collaborating to exchange ideas, highlight shared outcomes, and determine the most effective strategies for implementing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
He pointed out that the Southeast Consultation Forum discussed ways to tackle critical challenges facing the region.
The SDGs Focal Person in Enugu State, Engineer Onyinye Akubuilo commended the state’s efforts, rating it highly for its implementation plan. She attributed this success to the socioeconomic policies of the state government, which have advanced sustainable development.
This year’s VNR with the theme “Advancing sustainable, inclusive, science and evidence-based solutions for the 2030 agenda for sustainable development and its sustainable development goals for leaving on one behind” had in attendance representative from the South east states.
The outcome of this consultation will inform the development of Nigeria 2025 voluntary national review and contribute to the country’s effort to achieve SDG.
