Attainment of SDGs remain crucial for Nigeria’s growth – UNGC

The appointment of Amina Mohammed as Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, leaving behind her role as Nigeria’s Minister for Environment has seen members of the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) local network in Nigeria express commitment towards achieving the Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs) which the out-going Minister was passionate about.

The members made this known to journalist during the congratulatory dinner in honour of the Minister held in Lagos recently.

Herbert Wigwe, managing director and chief executive officer, Access Bank Plc described the appointment of Amina Mohammed as a remarking achievement, while pledging Access bank’s support in assisting the United Nation achieve its SDGs goals.

Until her recent appointment, Amina Mohammed served as a special adviser on post-2015 Development Planning to the UN Secretary-General, which meant she had to interface regularly with the UNGC.

Presently, there are 120 participants drawn from different industries of the Nigerian economy in the local network.

Laoye Jaiyeola, local network representative and co-chair, steering committee of UNGC in Nigeria emphasises the need to create adequate awareness for private sector involvement in driving attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals, in view of government’s limited abilities to effectively deliver on expected results.

“We are going to pursue the African strategy. We are recruiting more people to join us to that SDG. We will ensure enforcement of the Paris Agreement, which the minister worked tirelessly to make a reality,” Jaiyeola said.

Oba Otudeko, group chairman, FBN Holdings, noted that the group has been at the forefront of promoting good governance, global best practices and corporate social responsibility, as a member of the UNGC.

“We will continue to ensure that we integrate environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria into our business, towards enhancing the livelihoods of all our stakeholders within their respective families and communities,” Otudeko said.
While addressing journalist, Amina Mohammed said that the most difficult decision she has made was leaving Nigeria for UN. “I am really overwhelmed. Because I feel like I really love to work. It feels like an out of body experience”, she added.

 

Josephine Okojie