Nigeria: FRC CEO Urges Stronger Efforts to Achieve Sustainable Development Goals

Dr. Rabiu Olowo, Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRC), has called for intensified efforts to meet the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. He delivered this message during a keynote address at the Lagos Sustainability Summit, organized by the Lagos State Office of Sustainable Development Goals, the Lagos State Safety Commission, and the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency.

The SDGs, established by the United Nations, aim to address global development challenges, including those faced by Nigeria. Since their adoption in 2015, Nigeria has demonstrated its commitment to achieving these goals, with leadership and ownership of the implementation process, according to the UN.

While praising Lagos State’s leadership in governance, Olowo stressed the need for further progress. “Lagos State has always been a trailblazer in governance, both within Nigeria and beyond. However, data shows that there is still much to be done in achieving the 17 SDGs. Research indicates that many regions, including Nigeria, are lagging behind and may miss the targets, similar to what occurred with the Millennium Development Goals.”

He acknowledged that Lagos State has made significant progress, more so than any other sub-national entity in Nigeria. The state’s establishment of critical institutions such as the Lagos State Office of the SDGs, the Lagos State Safety Commission, the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency, the Lagos Resilience Office, and the Lagos Waste Management Authority reflects its commitment to embedding sustainability into governance.

Olowo urged the state to intensify its efforts to meet the global targets for sustainable development, stating, “Lagos has made commendable strides, but there is room for improvement. I encourage the state to redouble its efforts to deliver on these global goals.”

The FRC, Olowo emphasized, remains committed to promoting sustainability practices, supporting innovation, and collaborating with stakeholders across sectors. “Driving Nigeria’s transition towards a more sustainable and resilient future requires collective effort. The FRC cannot do it alone, and partnerships like this are essential for advancing sustainability practices in Lagos. We are fully committed to playing our part.”

He concluded by highlighting the importance of embedding the SDGs at the core of Lagos State’s development plans, positioning the state as a global investment destination. “This summit has the vital responsibility of developing key strategies to make Lagos a preferred global investment hub,” Olowo remarked.