Finnih: Community engagement key to accelerate SDGs

The Special Adviser to the Lagos State Government on Sustainable Development Goals, Oreoluwa Finnih, emphasizes the importance of community engagement in accelerating the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. In a recent interview with CNBC Africa, Finnih highlighted the state's commitment to leveraging the private sector for fresh financing to support SDG initiatives. The overarching agenda of Lagos State revolves around the 17 SDGs, driving policies and programs across various sectors like transportation, health, and education. While progress varies across the 17 goals, Finnih commended the advancements made in transportation, health, and education, stressing the need to sustain the momentum. However, she acknowledged the slower progression in certain goals that require additional partnerships and collaborations, particularly in areas like 'life below water', urging for more research and data to drive informed decision-making. Finnih underscored the importance of monitoring and evaluation in tracking progress towards the SDGs, noting the implementation of a voluntary local review to assess the state's status across the goals. The Office of Sustainable Development Goals has appointed champions within ministries, departments, and agencies, in addition to partnering with the private sector to ensure a comprehensive approach to achieving the SDGs in Lagos state. Taking a strategic approach to advancing SDGs, Lagos has initiated a 'lighthouse project' focused on underserved communities, which constitute 10% of the state's population. These projects involve stakeholder engagements and data-driven decision-making aimed at accelerating development in these areas. Finnih reiterated the critical role of financing in driving SDG initiatives, emphasizing the state's growth in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and efficiency in payments collections. The launch of an e-portal for tax management and public-private partnerships have been instrumental in mobilizing resources for development projects. The private sector's involvement is crucial in unlocking sustainable initiatives, with the state actively engaging industrial companies to adopt more sustainable practices across their supply chains. Through a collaborative approach and setting clear parameters, Lagos aims to enhance sustainability standards and drive collective action towards achieving the SDGs by 2030.