United Nations proposes transformative initiatives in achieving 2030 development agenda in Nigeria

The United Nations (UN)  is proposing several transformative initiatives that would accelerate the achievement of the 2030 development agenda, in Nigeria, in view of the country’s lagging in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals(SDG’s).

Penpushing reports that the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Matthias Schmale, made this known at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) Kuru Plateau State, while addressing participants in the Senior Executive Course (SEC).

“We are offering to Government several transformative initiatives that will help Nigerians be better equipped to face the challenges ahead and to ensure that no one gets left behind as we do so’, Schmale said

Penpushing further reports that Schmale explained that amongst other important matters, the initiatives focused on transforming education and ensuring that all children have access to quality learning; getting as many people, especially women and young people, into decent employment.

The United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, explained that this also include transforming Nigeria’s food systems for improved food and nutrition security; moving towards strengthened and more accountable governance; and overcoming the national state of emergency created by violence against women and girls; among others.

“The UN does not hold the keys to sustainable development in Nigeria.Our role is a supportive one, and what we bring to the table is convening power and mobilising relevant knowledge and expertise from around the globe’.

‘The ultimate change agents are Nigerians themselves notably including people responsible for making and implementing policies.”

Penpushing also reports that speaking on the theme, “Industrialization, Energy Security and Climate Change in Nigeria: Issues Challenges and Prospects”, Schmale observed that while Nigeria’s industrial strategy, which focused on protecting local industry, had to some extent worked to sustain the domestic industries, the industrial sector has not sustainably grown to create the kind of jobs and improvement in livelihoods that Nigeria needed.

Penpushing reports that Schmale identified three things that needed to happen for successful industrialization, explaining that the first is to agree an explicit strategy for managing the impact of industrialisation, from energy sources to material resources and waste management, and how to manage these in a sustainable manner.

The United Nations (UN) boss added that the other two, were to pursue a realistic and just energy transition away from oil and gas; and to get the balance right between the roles for both the private and public sectors.

Penpushing further reports that he pointed out that Government must create a more conducive business and investment environment in which the private sector can flourish and be the engine of sustainable development.

The Director General of the Institute, Professor Ayo Omotayo, in his remarks noted that an industrialised Nigeria would generate more employment and increase the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country.

Penpushing also reports that Omotayo therefore called upon the course to develop a strategy and pathways towards ensuring a 12% GDP annual growth rate for Nigeria in the next five years, and encouraged all participants to look back and reflect on what they could do to change the fortune of Nigeria.

The statement by the National Information Officer, United Nations Information Centre (UNIC), Dr Seyi Soremekun said the Director General told the participants that they were being trained as champion of change in Nigeria and charged them to double their efforts and find the right energy to propel change.

“We are training you as champions of change in Nigeria. Do it for the poor people of Nigeria; Do it for the young people who are just coming out of the universities; Do it for humanity and for the benefit of mankind’, he added.

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