Nigeria is struggling to meet the targets of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in reducing poverty and hunger, according to analysts. The SDGs, adopted by the United Nations in 2015, aim to eradicate poverty, protect the planet, and ensure peace and prosperity for all by 2030. However, the United Nations Support Plan for the Sahel estimates that Nigeria requires approximately $337 billion to implement the SDGs.
As of July 2022, the UN reported that Nigeria’s progress towards achieving the SDGs was unsatisfactory, emphasizing the need for financing to accelerate progress. Specifically, over $300 billion is required to bridge the widening gap between the rich and the poor in Nigeria.
Gbenga Komolafe, General Secretary of the Federation of Informal Workers Organisation of Nigeria, expressed concerns about the lack of effort by governments in Africa, particularly Nigeria, to achieve SDG targets. He noted that government policies and programs often contradict the objectives and actions outlined in the SDGs. For example, SDG Goals 8 and 11 emphasize training and regulated access for informal workers, but government efforts in this area are minimal.
Komolafe also criticized the politicization of government programs aimed at addressing poverty and inequality. He cited the alleged misuse of funds intended to alleviate the hardship caused by fuel subsidy removal by the former humanitarian affairs minister, highlighting the lack of accountability and recovery of misused funds.
Komolafe warned that SDG programs are fading, leading to increased poverty, as reported by the National Bureau of Statistics. He emphasized the need for urgent action to address the widening gap between the rich and the poor and to achieve the SDGs.
