Nigeria was one of the 189 countries worldwide that endorsed the United Nation’s Millennium Declaration, which led to the adoption of the eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to be completed by 2015. It wasn’t until 2005 however, with the debt-relief negotiated with the Paris group, that Nigeria first began to increase investments in pro-poor policies and projects with the aim of attaining the goals. The end result was a mixed success rate, and many of the goals and targets were not met. This report, published by the United Nations Development Programme, provides a comprehensive look at how Nigeria should seek to transition from the MDGs to the post-2015 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), one of which is to achieve gender equality in all sectors and spheres of life
The strategy suggested comprises of seven core elements, all of which are explored in-depth: institutional framework; policy and legal framework; partnerships; data, monitoring and reporting; human resources; and communications. For each element, the report: reflects on and reviews its performance through the MDG process; explores which MDG arrangements should be continued and improved; examines the options for the element in its transition to the SDGs; and identifies the key strategies to use. The report concludes with a look to the future, suggesting that Nigeria will be required to develop in-depth strategies and action plans, and be prepared to commit the necessary resources to implement this strategy. Additionally, women are identified as a major stakeholder who require improved engagement and messaging. Finally, the authors say that systematic and organised action, together with quality leadership, is the only way to ensure that no person is left behind.