The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to evidence-based governance as part of efforts to accelerate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across the State.
Speaking at the Annual Ministerial Press Briefing held at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre in Alausa, Ikeja, the Special Adviser to the Governor on SDGs, Oreoluwa Finnih, said the State is strengthening coordination and accountability by integrating data systems across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
According to her, the initiative is aimed at ensuring that development policies and interventions are guided by reliable evidence and deliver measurable impact on residents’ lives.
“Data is the bedrock of sustainable development; it allows us to move from intuition to impact,” she said. “By strengthening inter-agency data frameworks, we are not only tracking progress but also deepening accountability to every resident of Lagos. Our focus is to use these insights to close gaps in inclusion and economic opportunity.”
Dr. Finnih noted that the State’s data-driven governance model is already producing results through Lagos’ leadership role in the Human Capital Development (HCD) 2.0 Core Working Group. She explained that the platform has supported the design and implementation of people-focused interventions in health, education, and social development.
She also highlighted the successful coordination of Lagos State’s second Voluntary Local Review (VLR), describing it as a major step in assessing progress on the SDGs at the local level while strengthening stakeholder participation and community engagement.
According to the Special Adviser, the review process has further positioned Lagos as a leading voice in the global conversation on localising the SDGs.
Other achievements highlighted during the briefing included the second edition of the Advocacy for Women’s Financial Inclusion programme targeted at underserved communities, improved policy alignment among MDAs to support the 2030 Agenda, and expanded awareness campaigns such as SDG Clubs in primary schools and social impact cinema initiatives aimed at promoting positive behavioural change among young people.
Dr. Finnih added that Lagos continues to maintain a strong presence in international sustainability engagements through participation in major global forums, including the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), as well as the Rabat, Khartoum, and Niamey Processes.
As the Office of Sustainable Development Goals marks its 10th anniversary, she said preparations are underway to strengthen institutional capacity through the 2025 Annual Strategic Retreat and other development-focused initiatives designed to address the evolving needs of the rapidly growing megacity.
She reiterated the State Government’s commitment to inclusive growth and sustainable development.
“As we look to the future, our goal is to further strengthen our systems and accelerate progress through measurable action,” she said. “We remain committed to ensuring that no one is left behind in the journey toward a resilient and prosperous Lagos.”









