…warn Nigeria won’t achieve SDGs 2030 target
From Sola Ojo, Abuja
Democratic stakeholders have raised serious concerns over the weakening of public institutions in Nigeria, warning that the trend was undermining both democratic governance and the country’s ability to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030 target.
The alarm was sounded during a one-day Democratic Stakeholders Dialogue held on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, in Kaduna.
The event was convened by the Social Development Action Trust (SDA Trust) with support from the Ford Foundation.
President of SDA Trust, Dr. Hussaini Abdu, described the current moment as a “crisis point” for democracy in Nigeria and across Africa.
He said the country is experiencing “shrinking civic space, deepening inequalities, and the erosion of public trust,” largely because of fragile and ineffective institutions.
“Democracy must go beyond periodic elections. “It must be lived through accountable leadership, inclusive participation, and strong institutions that protect rights and deliver services.”
Delivering the keynote address, Professor Dung Pam Sha of the University of Jos warned that weak institutional coordination and political indifference are jeopardizing Nigeria’s progress toward the 2030 SDG targets.
According to Prof. Sha, critical sectors such as poverty eradication, gender equality, decent work, and citizen welfare are lagging due to poor governance structures.
“Funding is low, agencies are disorganised, and local governments are largely disconnected from the SDG agenda,” he stated.
He further stressed that without urgent reforms to strengthen public institutions and ensure better inter-agency coordination, Nigeria stands little chance of meeting the global development goals within the next five years.
Both speakers agreed that reclaiming democracy and achieving development targets would require more than political rhetoric, it required systemic change, citizen engagement, and committed leadership at all levels.
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