Learning from Millennium Development Goals for Successful Implementation and Attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals in Nigeria

Abstract

The SDGs is an offshoot of the MDGs. Its declaration was to make up for the MDGs’ failures. The non-attainment of the MDGs has been reviewed with pointers. This raises concern on the implementation of the SDGs. This study therefore identifies the pitfalls in the MDGs’ implementation to ensure attainment of the SDGs. To achieve this, the study reviews the events leading to the MDGs, issues surrounding its implementation and the potential challenges that threatened its achievement. The study adopted qualitative research method to obtain data. It was discovered that lack of ownership, non-continuity on developmental plans, no clear policy document, political motivated projects, corruption, over-politicisation of programmes and lack of appropriate education on the MDGs occasioned its poor performance. The paper concludes that until development policy frameworks are followed to letter, attainment of SDGs could be dream. The study therefore recommends that government should develop a comprehensive and all-inclusive policy framework for all tiers of government in Nigeria, which will clearly show corporate and individual responsibilities in the SDGs. Also, community education should be employed for awareness and community participation in implementation of the SDGs to guarantee community identification and ownership of project/programmes.