SEO Riders
– Nigeria Scores Below 30% in Global SDG Rankings
– Insecurity & Governance Cited as Major Barriers
– Call for Institutional Overhaul and Grassroots Action
At its inaugural retreat held in Abuja on August 30, 2025, the World Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Organisation revealed troubling results: both Nigeria and the African continent are underperforming in achieving the United Nations’ 17 SDGs. According to Mr. Yahaya Muhammad, the organisation’s African Continental Governor, Nigeria’s SDG attainment is “currently below 30 per cent,” while Africa’s average performance remains lackluster. He stressed that although NGOs and civil society groups are actively supporting the nation’s efforts, real progress remains elusive—prompting a strong call for measurable, accountable actions rather than mere commitments.
Muhammad urged African leaders to accelerate the implementation of the SDGs, particularly through grassroots initiatives, to fulfil the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda. He proposed urgent reforms, including transforming existing SDG units into full departments at both state and municipal levels, to ensure more effective goal management. Insecurity and poor governance were identified as key hurdles—accounting for as much as 70% of Africa’s challenges—thus hampering economic and social development.
