This policy brief presents a timely and critical assessment of Nigeria’s progress toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. Despite early signs of political commitment and coordination through the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs (OSSAP-SDG), Nigeria currently ranks 146 out of 166 countries in the 2024 Sustainable Development Report—with only one goal (Responsible Consumption and Production) showing marked progress.

The report documents mixed outcomes. While progress has been made in areas such as maternal health, gender equality in school enrollment, and microenterprise development, the country continues to face structural setbacks. Widespread poverty, education gaps (especially among out-of-school children), gender inequality, inadequate healthcare, and insecurity all hinder comprehensive SDG implementation.

The brief also flags systemic weaknesses: under-reporting of activities, limited integration of technology for monitoring, insufficient engagement of subnational governments and non-state actors, and the lack of alignment between the SDGs and Nigeria’s long-term development plan, Agenda 2050.

In response, Centre LSD outlines bold recommendations, urging both federal and state governments to explore alternative funding strategies, mainstream SDG implementation across key sectors, strengthen institutional frameworks, and expand civil society and private sector engagement. The brief calls for prioritizing infrastructure, agriculture, education, and health as catalysts for SDG acceleration.

This publication is essential for policymakers, development practitioners, civil society leaders, and donors who are invested in steering Nigeria back on track to deliver on the global 2030 Agenda.