Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to aligning its governance model with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), also known as the 2030 Agenda. This pledge, aimed at ensuring the delivery of democracy dividends in the state, was made during the Regional Stakeholders Consultation on Nigeria’s 2025 Voluntary National Review (VNR) for the South East zone. The event took place at the Old Government Lodge in Enugu, where key stakeholders gathered to discuss ways to advance the SDGs in the region.
Governor Mbah, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, emphasized that his administration’s focus was on achieving a series of goals that would improve the quality of life for the people of Enugu State. These include eradicating poverty, ensuring food security, providing affordable clean water, promoting environmental hygiene, and improving access to quality education and healthcare services.
Governor Mbah made it clear that his governance approach is fully aligned with the SDGs, and he is determined to implement policies and projects that will lead to measurable progress in these areas. The SDGs, set forth by the United Nations in 2015, provide a blueprint for achieving a better and more sustainable future for all, with a target year of 2030.
The governor’s commitment to the SDGs is critical, especially in the context of Nigeria’s ongoing challenges in poverty reduction, food security, and access to essential services. According to Governor Mbah, Enugu State’s alignment with these global goals will serve as a roadmap for advancing sustainable development within the state.
Dr. Mbah highlighted the importance of addressing the zero-poverty target by prioritizing policies that focus on economic empowerment and job creation. Additionally, he underscored his administration’s dedication to tackling hunger by ensuring food security for the people of Enugu. This would be achieved through initiatives aimed at increasing local food production, improving agricultural practices, and making food more accessible and affordable for all.
In line with the SDGs, Governor Mbah also emphasized the significance of providing clean water and promoting a hygienic environment for the people of Enugu. Access to clean water is a critical issue in many parts of Nigeria, and Governor Mbah’s administration plans to address this challenge by improving water infrastructure and ensuring its affordability.
Health is another key area of focus for the governor, with an emphasis on improving healthcare delivery. Mbah’s government aims to enhance access to quality healthcare services, reduce maternal and infant mortality rates, and increase awareness around preventive health practices. These efforts are aligned with the SDG targets related to good health and well-being, which are vital to improving the overall quality of life for citizens.
Governor Mbah also stressed the importance of providing quality education to all children in Enugu State, in line with SDG 4, which calls for inclusive and equitable education and lifelong learning opportunities for all. His administration is committed to improving the educational infrastructure in the state, ensuring that schools are adequately funded, and making education more accessible to children from all backgrounds, including those in rural areas.
He further acknowledged that the South East region has abundant human capital and entrepreneurial potential, which, if harnessed, could drive the region’s development forward. Governor Mbah noted that the entrepreneurial spirit and resilience of the people in the South East would be essential in achieving these goals, as they play a vital role in economic growth and innovation.
The South East Regional Stakeholders Consultation, which brought together government representatives, development experts, and community leaders, aimed to create a platform for discussing how the SDGs can be effectively implemented at the regional level. The event’s theme, “Advancing Sustainable, Inclusive, Science- and Evidence-Based Solutions for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals for Leaving No One Behind,” underscores the need for inclusive and evidence-driven approaches to achieving the SDGs.
During the consultation, Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals, delivered the keynote address. Orelope-Adefulire commended the South East region for its active participation, noting that the region’s involvement in the consultation demonstrated its commitment to achieving the SDGs in Nigeria.
The Senior Special Assistant also emphasized the importance of localizing the SDGs by tailoring solutions to the specific needs of each region. She highlighted that while Nigeria has made progress in certain areas, there is still much work to be done to achieve the targets set out in the 2030 Agenda. Orelope-Adefulire called on all stakeholders in the South East to work together towards achieving the SDGs, particularly in the areas of poverty eradication, quality education, clean water, health, and economic growth.
Governor Mbah acknowledged that while the SDGs are global aspirations, they are also a call to action for every region, community, and individual. He stated that the South East, with its vast human and material resources, has a critical role to play in accelerating the country’s progress towards achieving the SDGs. The governor’s remarks reflect a growing recognition of the importance of regional contributions to national development and the need for all states to work together towards achieving the SDGs.
The South East region, known for its entrepreneurial culture and strong work ethic, has the potential to become a major driver of Nigeria’s sustainable development. With a focus on inclusive growth, the region can play a key role in creating economic opportunities, improving infrastructure, and addressing social challenges.
Governor Mbah also called for a collaborative effort between all stakeholders, including traditional rulers, community leaders, and development partners, to ensure that the SDGs are achieved in the South East. He stressed that the path to sustainable development requires a collective effort, with each person playing their part in advancing the goals.
The governor’s commitment to the SDGs, alongside the active participation of the South East region, is a positive sign for Nigeria’s future. As the country works towards the 2030 deadline, the focus on localizing the SDGs and ensuring that no one is left behind will be key to achieving sustainable and inclusive development.
