Despite global economic headwinds, the Federal government of Nigeria has maintained its financial commitments to the priority areas identified in the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework UNSDCF (2023-2027). Since its inception, the government has worked diligently to align the framework with the national development priorities and the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, made this known yesterday, in Abuja, while addressing the Joint Steering Committee Meeting on the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2023-2027.

Speaking to the 19-member Committee and other stakeholders who gathered to review the progress and chart the path forward for the implementation of the Framework, Bagudu also said that the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning had prioritized the integration of UNSDCF initiatives into the national planning and budgeting processes. This, according to him, had enhanced resource allocation efficiency and strengthened the capacity to monitor implementation.

Highlighting the importance of the partnership and the need for adaptive strategies, Bagudu who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Emeka Vitalis Obi, mni, pointed out that “The Cooperation Framework represents more than a document – it embodies our shared commitment to sustainable development and the well-being of our people; therefore, we must ensure that our Cooperation Framework remains responsive to emerging priorities while maintaining focus on long-term development objectives”.

Commending the technical support provided by UN Agencies, the Minister however called for enhanced collaboration in: Strengthening data systems for evidence-based planning and monitoring; Deepening private sector engagement to catalyse sustainable economic growth; Enhancing fiscal frameworks that could better withstand external shocks while protecting social investments; and Alignment with all National Development Plans (NDP:2026-2030) and future plans.

Also speaking, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr. Mohamed Malick Fall, described UNSDCF (2023-2027) and SDGs as a collective commitment to a prosperous, inclusive and resilient Nigeria.

He opined that achieving the goals are not just global imperatives but vital for Nigeria’s future, as it would unlock new economic opportunities, enhance social well-being and ensure environmental sustainability for generations to come. Mr. Fall asserted “The world is watching Nigeria and with the right investment, partnerships and policies, this country can set the standards for sustainable development in Africa.

Ministries and organizations represented at the meeting were: National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), UNDP, Academia, WHO, Environment, Housing and Urban Development, Agriculture and Food Security, Youth Development, Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, National commission for Persons with Disabilities, Private Sector Advisory Group, amongst others.

 

Julie Osagie-Jacobs

D/Information & PR

13th March, 2025