The United Nations in Nigeria

The Federal Republic of Nigeria was admitted as a member state of the United Nations on 7 October 1960, having gained independence on 1 October the same year. The United Nations System (UNS) in Nigeria, consisting of 19 resident and 4 non-resident entities has had a productive engagement with the Federal Republic of Nigeria since its independence. The UNS has been a catalytic supporter of, and trusted partner in, the development aspirations of Nigeria. At the moment, Nigeria faces multi-faceted challenges which include the complex humanitarian situation in its north-eastern region, other internal conflicts and a number of development deficits.

At play: Two members of the Environmental Health Club of NKST primary School Ikpaka in Katsina-Ala, Benue state, North-Central Nigeria — Caption: UN Nigeria

Photo: © UN in Nigeria

The previous United Nations Development Assistance Frameworks (UNDAFs), particularly UNDAF III, has helped significantly in the formulation of this country strategic framework by way of informing the new, high impact strategies and interventions for Nigeria. Notable lessons learnt from the past experiences include the need to emphasize stronger partnerships; the effective optimization and utilization of UN convening power and advocacy platform as a critical resource at all levels of the government; and, the imperative of enhancing coherence and greater coordination of UN activities as these have the potential to increase partners' overall interest in the UN support and in reducing duplication of efforts and unnecessary competition among agencies at all governmental levels.

The formulation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Partnership Framework (UNSDPF) IV (2018-2022) comes on the heels of the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the African Union (AU) 2063 Agenda at a time of global economic downturn with Nigeria's economic growth, social progress and environmental protection at the crossroads. The UNSDPF (2018-2022) proposes a paradigm shift in UN partnership for enhanced and robust support to the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) “to reach those furthest behind first” and “to leave no one behind”, reflecting concerns with equity and inclusiveness, respectively. The shift integrates national development objectives with international trends and commitments in developing programmes and interventions to systematically support the national authorities in addressing development challenges.

Milestones

Strengthened partnerships with diverse stakeholders. In 2019, the UN system applied for funding from the Joint SDG Fund to engage in a detailed, inclusive 2030 SDG Consultation process throughout the six geo-political zones. The process will take place in 2020 and will be carried out together with Government partners as a demand-driven exercise on behalf of the Government of Nigeria.

Investment in data systems, capacities, technologies and processes to better monitor implementation and measure progress and help guide policy interventions to target the most persistent pockets of poverty.

Stepped up action at state-level with focus on supporting solutions at scale and sustainability. In 2019, the UN in Nigeria, through UNDP, introduced the iSDG model which is a System Dynamics (SD) model that uses computer simulation methodology and mathematical modelling technique to frame, understand, and discuss complex issues and problems.

Determine the additional cost of scaling up public investments in social and physical infrastructure with a view to achieving the SDGs. In the analytical form, iSDG will analyze how – under business as usual conditions – the country would progress towards each of the 17 SDGs.

Towards the achievement of SDG 6 - Clean Water and Sanitation: Communities and institutions at the national and sub-national level were supported. The UN and partners continued advocacy which led to the presidential declaration of a state of emergency in the WASH Sector and the launch of a National WASH Action Plan, including a promise that Nigeria will end open defecation by 2025.

Strengthened coordination within and between multiple layers of governance (national and sub-national as well as regional level). This includes strengthening horizontal and vertical linkages to ensure proper coordination of the SDGs implementation across the three tiers of government and institutionalize regular stock-taking and peer review as part of the national SDGs monitoring and reporting system across the country.

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The Sustainable Development Goals in Nigeria

The Sustainable Development Goals are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the earth’s environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. These are the goals the UN is working on in Nigeria: