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VOL. 7, ISSUE 2 (2025)
Evaluating the alignment of Nigeria’s national development plans with the sustainable development goals: gaps, challenges, and prospects for SDG attainment
Authors
Ibrahim Musa, Horsfall Tony, Kabiru Muhammed
Abstract
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),
adopted in Nigeria in 2015, have played a significant role in addressing
poverty, inequality, and climate vulnerability. This study applies Gough and
McGregor’s (2007) framework, testing three hypotheses to assess the alignment
between Nigeria’s National Development Plans (NDPs) and priority SDGs across
economic, social, and environmental dimensions. Using a mixed-methods approach,
the study reviewed over 1,200 pages of NDP documentation, conducted
semi-structured interviews with 15 key stakeholders (government officials,
CSOs, foreign representatives, and experts), and triangulated data from NBS and
World Bank poverty indices (2022–2023). Quantitative scoring (0–100 scale) and NVivo thematic analysis
(Braun & Clarke, 2006) [7] were employed. Results indicate
notable progress in economic and social goals: SDG 8 scored 85/100 (with 80%
agreement on job creation potential), SDG 4 scored 75/100 (10% increase in
school enrolments; UNESCO, 2021), and SDG 3 scored 70/100 (improved health
infrastructure). However, environmental goals remain weak—SDG 1 recorded a
45/100 environmental-equity gap, with persistent poverty (63 million
multi-dimensionally poor; OPHI, 2022), displacements from oil-related
degradation, and limited rural access to clean energy. Institutional
fragmentation, corruption, and inadequate funding (15% SDG budget allocation)
hinder progress. The study concludes that while Nigeria’s NDPs partly localize
SDGs, they perpetuate trade-offs and underdevelopment. It recommends fostering
cross-sectorial synergies, institutional redesign (empowering OSSAP-SDGs),
green financing mechanisms, and inclusive multi-stakeholder engagement to
enhance sustainable development outcomes.
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Pages:120-128
How to cite this article:
Ibrahim Musa, Horsfall Tony, Kabiru Muhammed "Evaluating the alignment of Nigeria’s national development plans with the sustainable development goals: gaps, challenges, and prospects for SDG attainment". International Journal of Management and Economics, Vol 7, Issue 2, 2025, Pages 120-128
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