Sixty three percent of Nigerian population remain multi-dimensionally poor, according to Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Adefulire made the declaration during an advocacy and sensitization campaign in Kano and Ondo States, noting that the global community is lagging behind in achieving the SDGs.
She emphasized the need for state and local governments to double their efforts to achieve the goals, particularly in areas such as poverty reduction, healthcare, and education.
Adefulire's statement is backed by recent reports, including the Multidimensional Poverty Index Report (2022) and the National Bureau of Statistics' Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey Report (2022).
The reports show significant disparities in poverty levels across states and geopolitical zones, with the North having a higher poverty rate than the South.
The Presidential aide urged all stakeholders to work together to achieve the SDGs, stressing the importance of collective action to address the challenges facing the country.
Adefulire said, "As we approach the 2030 deadline, we must recommit to accelerating the implementation of the SDGs, especially at the state and local government levels.
"The SDGs require a whole-of-society approach and clearly cannot be achieved with stand-alone policies and projects. They must be carefully integrated into national and sub-national policies and development plans.
"Poverty levels vary significantly across states and geopolitical zones. Specifically, multidimensional poverty is higher in rural areas, where 72 percent of people are poor, compared to 42 percent in urban areas."
Governors Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo and Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano have pledged their commitment to achieving the SDGs.
Aiyedatiwa stated, "I am confident that through seamless collaboration and innovation, we can make significant progress towards achieving the SDGs at the sub-national level.
"We recognize the importance of these goals and are actively working to integrate them into our policies. Together, let us build a future that is sustainable, equitable, and prosperous for all."
On his part, Governor Yusuf, represented by Hon. Shehu Shegagi, expressed commitment to delivering on the targets of the SDGs, leaving no one behind.
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