Auwal Musa-Rafsanjani, the Executive Director, Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre, CISLAC, has called for renewed commitment to building strong, accountable institutions towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 in the country.
Mr Rafsanjani, who is also the Head of Transparency International-Nigeria, made the call during the launch of the 7th edition of the ‘SDG 16 Shadow Report 2024’ on the sidelines of the 79th United Nations General Assembly, UNGA.
The CISLAC boss identified various factors militating against Nigeria’s progress to include rising inflation, fiscal imbalances and debt burden, rising insecurity and organized crime and, suppression of human rights free speech in the country.
He said: “In June 2024, inflation reached a 28-year high, causing immense hardship across the nation. The removal of fuel subsidies, while seen by some as necessary, has aggravated the cost-of-living crisis, pushing millions of Nigerians further into poverty.
“According to the government’s 2023 budget report, Nigeria generated 5.99 trillion Naira in revenue but spent 19.50 trillion Naira, resulting in a staggering 13.50 trillion Naira deficit.
“Even more troubling is the fact that over 8.56 trillion Naira—or 70% of our revenue—was allocated to debt servicing. These stark fiscal imbalances represent a massive obstacle to sustainable development.
“Insecurity has also become an existential threat to Nigeria’s progress. The report reveals that in 2023 alone, 4,427 individuals were kidnapped in 227 mass abductions, marking a sharp increase in organized crime.
“The erosion of civic space in Nigeria presents yet another troubling trend. During the #EndBadGovernance protests in August 2024, at least 21 protesters were killed, over 1000 were arrested, and numerous journalists faced harassment or detention.”
According to him, without significant reform, Nigeria’s aspirations of meeting the SDGs by 2030 will remain out of reach.
He said: “Nigeria stands at a critical juncture. The economic, social, and governance challenges we face are immense, but they are not insurmountable.
“Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 will require bold reforms, increased transparency, and a renewed commitment to building strong, accountable institutions.
“We must act now. Together, we can build a Nigeria that is more just, more peaceful, and more prosperous for all. Let us commit to these reforms, not only in words but in actions that speak louder than words.”
