The House of Representatives has pledged to accelerate Nigeria’s progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are due to be achieved by 2030. The SDGs are a set of 17 global goals that aim to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure peace and prosperity for all.
The House Committee on SDGs, chaired by Hon Wale Raji, made this commitment at its inaugural meeting in Abuja. Raji said the committee was a strategic one that focused on the development of Nigeria, adding that no country could be considered developed without meeting the SDGs.
He noted that Nigeria was still lagging behind in the attainment of the goals, according to the latest report, and stressed the need to prioritise all the goals. He said the committee would use legislative interventions to support the implementation of the SDGs and scrutinise the budget allocation for the goals. He also said the committee would monitor the performance of the states in achieving the SDGs.
Meanwhile, the House Committee on Population said it would collaborate with relevant stakeholders to ensure a smooth conduct of the census in the country. The committee, led by Hon Jimi Odimayo, said it was responsible for ensuring a comprehensive and effective national policy on population statistics and demographic data.
Odimayo said the committee would also develop strategies for the implementation and funding of the policy from local and foreign sources. He said the federal government, Nigerians and the world were expecting the committee to deliver on the upcoming census. He said the committee would engage with relevant stakeholders to ensure a successful census.
