The Lagos State Government through the Office of Sustainable Development Goals has convened a wide-ranging stakeholder engagement session to review and validate the State’s Second Voluntary Local Review (VLR) of the Sustainable Development Goals, reaffirming its commitment to inclusive governance, transparency, and evidence-based policymaking.
Declaring the session open at Radisson Hotel, Ikeja, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Sustainable Development Goals, Dr. Oreoluwa Finnih, underscored the significance of the review, describing it as a strategic roadmap that strengthens governance, fosters inclusiveness, and ensures that development actions deliver real impact for the people of Lagos.
According to Dr. Finnih, the VLR process goes beyond a mere reporting exercise, serving as a dynamic mechanism that promotes inclusion, accountability, and stronger governance frameworks at the subnational level.
“The Voluntary Local Review, as we know, was introduced to help localize the global development agenda. To turn international goals into real, practical actions that speak to our local realities and aspirations.”
The Special Adviser explained that since the launch of the first Lagos VLR in 2023, the State has deepened efforts to drive inclusive growth across all sectors, scaling up initiatives that reduce inequality, bridge developmental gaps, and promote shared prosperity.
“Our commitment to strategic policy alignment continues to inspire collaboration between government agencies, the private sector, and our communities. We are finding smarter and more sustainable solutions to the challenges that affect everyday lives,” she added.
She noted that the 2025 VLR reflects Lagos’ progress and evolving strategies toward achieving the SDGs, supported by robust, up-to-date data and analysis.
The review, she said, integrates the voices of young people, women, and vulnerable groups to ensure that development decisions remain people-centered and inclusive.
Dr. Finnih further emphasized that the validation workshop provides an avenue to strengthen coordination among government, private-sector, and civil-society actors to align budgets, policies, and programmes with the SDG targets.
“As we approach the final stretch of the global SDG timeline, the need to accelerate implementation becomes even more urgent. Your insights, experiences, and feedback are invaluable to making this review meaningful and successful” she urged participants.
In his remark, the Senior Technical Advisor to the Presidency, Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (OSSAP–SDGs), Dr. Baba Yusuf Yunusa, commended the Lagos State Government for its proactive approach to sustainable development and commitment to evidence-based governance.
He noted that Lagos has become a shining example of subnational commitment to the SDGs, demonstrating both the capacity and political will to localize global development goals and translate them into measurable impact for its citizens.
Dr. Yunusa emphasized that the Voluntary Local Review (VLR) serves as a valuable platform for tracking progress, reviewing key issues, addressing challenges, and identifying opportunities to accelerate SDG implementation at the local level.
“The SDGs are ultimately about people, ensuring that no one is left behind in our development efforts. Government at all levels has a critical role to play in mobilizing resources, fostering partnerships, and sustaining political commitment to fast-track progress toward the 2030 Agenda,” he stated.
He reaffirmed that the Lagos VLR not only contributes to Nigeria’s national SDGs reporting but also stands as an exemplary model of how subnational actors can drive sustainable transformation through accountability, inclusiveness, and innovation.
The technical session was conducted by TRUSSVERSE Consulting and the Boston Consulting Group (BCG), who jointly facilitated insightful presentations and interactive discussions aimed at validating data inputs, refining key performance indicators, and aligning strategic priorities with the global ambition.
The 2025 Lagos Voluntary Local Review, when finalized, will serve as a critical tool for tracking progress, shaping evidence-based policies, and guiding future development actions across the State.
Present at the workshop include, the Permanent Secretary, Office of SDGs, Mrs. Kaphayah Olayemi Sarumi; Director, Lagos Bureau of Statistics, Mr. Bashiru Oseni-Ope; Co-founder of Lagos Island Connect (LIC), Ms. Yemisi Ransome-Kuti; SDGs Champions across MDAs; Development Partners; Private Sector Leaders; Academia; Civil Society and Grassroots Organizations.
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