On May 17, 2025, the Lagos State Government unveiled a strategic roadmap to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The government prioritized ten high-impact goals, focusing on inclusive growth, sustainability, and shared prosperity. They announced these priorities via their official X (formerly Twitter) account and at the Y2025 Ministerial Press Briefing held in Alausa, Ikeja.
Dr. Oreoluwa Finnih, Special Adviser on SDGs, emphasized the importance of a coordinated strategy to achieve collective impact. She stated that the chosen goals underwent thorough feasibility and impact assessments to ensure effectiveness. These goals include Zero Hunger (Goal 2), Quality Education (Goal 4), Clean Water and Sanitation (Goal 6), Affordable Clean Energy (Goal 7), and Decent Work (Goal 8). Moreover, Industry and Innovation (Goal 9), Responsible Consumption (Goal 12), Climate Action (Goal 13), Peace and Justice (Goal 16), and Partnerships (Goal 17) were also highlighted.
Additionally, Dr. Finnih explained that this prioritization aligns with global trends where cities adapt strategies through Voluntary Local Reviews (VLRs) to address local needs efficiently.
She emphasised that Lagos chose these goals due to its comparative advantage. Meanwhile, other SDGs will still integrate into broader development strategies.
Under the T.H.E.M.E.S Plus agenda, Lagos has achieved significant milestones. For instance, the Lighthouse Project has provided education, healthcare, and sanitation to over 800,000 residents in underserved communities. Similarly, the Women’s Financial Inclusion initiative empowered 1,200 women with digital IDs, health insurance, and financial literacy through partnerships with Opay and Cowrywise.
To enhance climate resilience, Lagos partnered with UNDP to introduce a Flood Risk Insurance Product. This parametric model ensures quick payouts for vulnerable populations affected by flooding. Additionally, the government established SDG Clubs in secondary schools and published the “SDGs and I” handbook to promote youth engagement. Plans are also underway to expand these initiatives to primary schools.
Moreover, the NG-CARES programme provided temporary jobs for 3,400 households, while 5,000 youth-led SMEs received digital skills training via the Alibaba Foundation. The Human Capital Development (HCD) 2.0 Framework further demonstrates Lagos’ commitment to data-driven transformation.
Looking ahead, Lagos will host the Second Sustainability Summit and launch Phase II of the Women’s Financial Inclusion Programme. The government also plans to publish its second VLR, introduce an SDGs Monitoring Dashboard, and release an SDGs Data Compendium.
Finally, Dr. Finnih reiterated that partnerships remain crucial for success.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration actively positions Lagos as a sustainability leader.
It aims to uplift citizens from poverty while championing environmental justice, fostering inclusive prosperity.
Consequently, the government’s focused initiatives emphasize economic growth, social equity, and ecological balance, supporting long-term development.
As a result, Lagos progresses toward a sustainable future that benefits all residents and preserves natural resources effectively.
