Lagos Reaffirms Commitment to Inclusive Growth, Begins Review of Second Voluntary Local SDGs Report

Lagos Reaffirms Commitment to Inclusive Growth, Begins Review of Second Voluntary Local SDGs Report

The Lagos State Government, through the Office of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), has convened a comprehensive stakeholder engagement session to review and validate the State’s Second Voluntary Local Review (VLR) of the SDGs, reinforcing its dedication to inclusive governance, transparency, and data-driven policymaking.

Speaking at the validation session held at the Radisson Hotel, Ikeja, the Special Adviser to the Governor on SDGs, Dr. Oreoluwa Finnih, described the VLR as a strategic roadmap that strengthens governance, promotes inclusiveness, and ensures that development interventions deliver measurable impact for Lagos residents.

Dr. Finnih noted that the review process transcends reporting, serving instead as a dynamic mechanism that enhances accountability and deepens subnational ownership of the global development agenda.

“The Voluntary Local Review was introduced to localize the global development goals—transforming international commitments into practical actions that reflect our realities and aspirations in Lagos,” she explained.

She highlighted that since the launch of the first Lagos VLR in 2023, the State has scaled up efforts to drive inclusive growth across all sectors, implementing policies that reduce inequality, close developmental gaps, and promote shared prosperity.

“Our continued policy alignment encourages collaboration among government agencies, the private sector, and communities as we pursue smarter and more sustainable solutions to everyday challenges,” she added.

Dr. Finnih emphasized that the 2025 VLR is anchored on robust data and reflects the State’s evolving strategies toward achieving the SDGs. The review integrates the voices of youth, women, and vulnerable groups, ensuring that development planning remains people-centered.

She further stated that the validation workshop serves as a platform to strengthen coordination among government, civil society, and private-sector actors, aligning budgets and programmes with the SDG targets.

“As we approach the final stretch of the global SDG timeline, the need to accelerate implementation becomes even more urgent. Your insights, experiences, and feedback are vital to making this review meaningful,” she told participants.

Also speaking, Dr. Baba Yusuf Yunusa, Senior Technical Adviser to the Presidency, Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs (OSSAP–SDGs), commended Lagos for its proactive approach to sustainable development and its evidence-based governance model.

He described Lagos as a “shining example of subnational commitment to the SDGs,” demonstrating the political will and capacity to translate global goals into tangible outcomes for citizens.

“The SDGs are about people—ensuring that no one is left behind. Government at all levels must mobilize resources, foster partnerships, and sustain political commitment to fast-track progress toward the 2030 Agenda,” he stated.

Dr. Yunusa added that Lagos’s VLR not only strengthens Nigeria’s national SDG reporting but also serves as a model of accountability, innovation, and inclusiveness for other subnational entities.

The technical session was facilitated by TRUSSVERSE Consulting and the Boston Consulting Group (BCG), featuring presentations and discussions to validate data inputs, refine performance indicators, and align strategic priorities with global standards.

The 2025 Lagos Voluntary Local Review, once finalized, will serve as a vital tool for tracking progress, shaping policies, and guiding sustainable development across the State.

Dignitaries present included the Permanent Secretary, Office of SDGs, Mrs. Kaphayah Olayemi Sarumi; Director, Lagos Bureau of Statistics, Mr. Bashiru Oseni-Ope; Co-founder, Lagos Island Connect (LIC), Ms. Yemisi Ransome-Kuti; SDG Champions from MDAs, development partners, private sector leaders, academics, and representatives of civil society and grassroots organizations.