Economic growth: A review of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) performance in Nigeria should include an assessment of the country’s economic growth and whether it is in line with the SDGs targets. This could cover indicators such as GDP growth, poverty rates, and employment levels.
Income inequality: One of the key goals of the SDGs is to reduce income inequality within and among countries. Therefore, a review of SDGs performance in Nigeria should examine the country’s progress in reducing income inequality, including measures such as the Gini coefficient.
Access to basic amenities: Another important aspect to assess is access to basic amenities such as clean water, sanitation, and electricity. The review should analyze the availability and accessibility of these services, particularly in rural areas.
Education: Education is crucial for achieving many of the SDGs, and a review should evaluate the progress of Nigeria’s education system. This could include indicators such as literacy rates, enrollment and completion rates, and access to quality education for marginalized groups.
Healthcare: The review should also look into the state of healthcare in Nigeria, including access to healthcare services, maternal and child mortality rates, and prevalence of diseases such as HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis.
Gender equality: The SDGs aim to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. Therefore, a review should assess Nigeria’s progress in this area, including women’s participation in political and economic decision-making, gender pay gap, and incidences of gender-based violence.
Environmental sustainability: Sustainability is a key component of the SDGs, and a review should evaluate Nigeria’s progress in preserving its natural resources and reducing its environmental impact. This could include measures such as greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation rates, and air and water pollution levels.
Infrastructure development: Adequate infrastructure is essential for economic growth and sustainable development. A review should analyze Nigeria’s progress in developing infrastructure such as roads, transportation, and communication networks.
Peace and security: The SDGs recognize peace and stability as necessary conditions for sustainable development. Therefore, a review should assess Nigeria’s efforts in promoting peace, security, and stability within its borders and in the region.
Government commitment and policy implementation: A review of SDGs performance in Nigeria should also examine the government’s commitment and efforts in implementing policies and programs related to the SDGs. This could include an analysis of budget allocations and the effectiveness of policies in achieving the designated targets.
– Benjamin Ibrahim, a retired Permanent Secretary, writes from Lokoja.
