By Donald Kumun
Stakeholders from across Nigeria’s North Central region convened for the North Central Voluntary National Review (VNR) Regional Consultation 2025, discussing progress, challenges, and strategies for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The event, which brought together government representatives, civil society organizations, and development partners, highlighted key institutional frameworks for SDGs implementation, and emphasized the need for inclusivity and collaboration.
Speaking with the Director-General of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in Benue State, Chief John Akuse, who is a participant among the stakeholders, from the state, holding at Wells Carlton Hotels and Apartment, Asokoro, in Abuja, the DG said, the gathering saw participants review Nigeria’s SDGs progress across various goals, analyzing both successes and persistent challenges.
He said group discussions allowed stakeholders to identify facilitators, barriers, and success stories that could inform national and state-level strategies.
According to him, a major focus of the gathering was placed on regional disparities, particularly in health and education outcomes, with calls for urgent interventions to address gaps.
“Various breakout groups underscored the importance of strengthened coordination among stakeholders and they reaffirmed the need for robust data collection, improved public financing, and enhanced policy enforcement mechanisms, to drive sustainable development across North Central states”.
“The meeting also chatted some actionable solutions that will make for an enhanced SDGs implementation at state and regional levels. These include the agreement that the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs (OSSAP-SDGs), will submit key messages for Nigeria’s Voluntary National Review (VNR) report to the United Nations Secretariat by April 24, 2025; integration of regional feedback; improved coordination and financing;
enhanced data collection; public-private partnerships; inclusive development strategies, as well as technology and Innovation”, he said.
The Director-General also revealed that, recognizing the importance of shared learning and cooperation, the North Central states will establish closer working relationships among their SDGs offices, by promoting technical cooperation, and inter-agency collaboration, which he said, the approach aims to reduce fragmentation and foster a more unified effort in achieving the SDGs.
The North Central VNR Regional Consultation 2025 reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to achieving the 2030 Agenda, with a collective call for sustained action, accountability, and collaboration at all levels.
Donald Kumun,
Director of Communications and Advocacy, Benue State SDGs.
