The Federal Government of Nigeria has declared that no country can achieve sustainable growth by relying solely on international support. During a high-level meeting in Abuja involving state revenue leaders and Ethiopian government officials, Minister of Finance Taiwo Oyedele emphasized that foreign aid and investments are merely secondary to a nation’s own ability to generate and manage public funds. He noted that while African nations face significant financial hurdles in meeting Sustainable Development Goals, the focus should shift toward better mobilization and alignment of domestic resources.
Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, highlighted the vital role of state governments in providing essential services such as healthcare, education, and basic infrastructure. She stated that the success of national development depends heavily on the financial resilience of these sub-national entities. Through the Integrated National Financing Framework, the government is working to create a more comprehensive strategy that connects public and private funding with specific national goals.
Elsie G. Attafuah, the UNDP Resident Representative for Nigeria, reinforced this view by noting that development goals are ultimately realized at the local level. She explained that building strong fiscal systems within states is a critical development issue, as it allows local governments to improve public services, foster economic growth, and translate policy into tangible results. Strengthening these institutional capacities remains a top priority for ensuring long-term national progress.
