The World Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Organisation has ranked Nigeria below average in the actualisation of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Yahaya Muhammad, the African continental governor of the organisation, said this at the group’s maiden retreat on Saturday in Abuja with the theme “Sustainable Development in Nigeria”.

Mr Muhammad called on all African leaders to accelerate the implementation of goals in their countries, especially at the grassroots levels, in line with the mandate of the UN 2030 SDGs agenda.

The SDGs are 17 global goals adopted by all United Nations member-states in 2015 as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The SDGs serve as a universal blueprint to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure peace and prosperity for all by 2030.

“On our global ratings, Nigeria is currently below 30 per cent, but Africa as a whole is on average, which is not impressive as a continent.

“There are many NGOs and CSOs that are complementing the government in every sector, which should make the SDGs achievable, but unfortunately, we are yet to make significant progress as a nation and a continent.

“Mere verbal commitments are no longer enough, African leaders must demonstrate accountability through measurable actions that translate into improved livelihoods, job creation and sustainable development.

“The success of the SDGs in Africa depends on strong political will, adequate funding, and active citizen participation,” he said.

Mr Muhammad urged African governments, policymakers, civil society and the private sector to close ranks in accelerating the achievement of the 2030 Agenda.

He urged the Nigerian government to overhaul all SDGs units and create a full department at the municipal and state levels to handle goals development.

Mr Muhammed also urged the governments to tackle insecurity, attributing 70 per cent of the myriad of challenges bedevilling Nigeria and Africa to insecurity and lack of good governance.

Fubes Danor, the group’s executive director for Africa, said black nations must move beyond rhetoric and champion the implementation of SDGs in the next five years.

Mr Danor stressed that timely action would determine the continent’s chances of meeting the 2030 targets.

Aliyu Abubakar, Director of Climate Action Agency-West Africa, said climate change remained one of the greatest threats to Africa’s development, and warned that failure to act decisively could reverse decades of progress.

Umar Faruk, director, Zero Hunger Agency–West Africa, described the standard of living of the average African as unacceptably low, urging governments to take bold steps toward food security and inclusive development.

“Addressing hunger and improving living standards are not just moral imperatives but also critical drivers of economic development and social stability across the continent,” he stated.

(NAN)