FG to synergize with partners to achieve the goals of the SDGs

The Federal Government of Nigeria has declared its intention to synergize with all partners and stakeholders to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) in the country.

Gillis Harry, the senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs disclosed this in Abuja on Monday stating that the federal Government has the role to synergize with the SDGs stakeholders to ensure achievement of its goals.

He said “our role is to act in synergy with all partners and stakeholders to achieve the goals of the SDG”.

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) comprising 17 goals, 169 targets and 230 indicators was launched and adopted by 193 heads of Governments including Nigeria.

SDG which was approved by the federal government in 2016 as part of its development framework covers a broader sphere of the economy as it encompasses both the education sector, health sector, environment, youth employment and the private sectors among others.

According to him the government plans to fully integrate the practices of the SDGs in its plans both in federal and state level. “We are working with other MDAs domesticate the SDGs in the government plan”

The workshop for the validation of the baseline report on SDGs in Nigeria brings together professionals from relevant MDAs whose mandate impact on the SDGs.

The National Bureau of Statistics as the coordinator of the National statistical System and custodian of official statistics in Nigeria at the event identified the provision of data for evidence-based planning and informed decisions as one of the major problems in the implementation of the MDGs was lack of data for measurement of progress.

Patricia Eweama, head of department, Demographic and Social Statistics, National Bureau of Statistics stated that the need for adequate data cannot be over emphasized as it aids planning,
monitoring and progress evaluation.

She said “in the implementation of SDGs, emphasis is placed on accountable governance and data revolution. There is therefore need for adequate data to plan, monitor and evaluate progress in its implementation”.

 

Cynthia Egboboh, Abuja