By Bilkis Abdulraheem Lawal
The Lagos State Government has engaged key stakeholders in a high-level review and validation session for its Second Voluntary Local Review (VLR) of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), reaffirming its dedication to inclusive governance, transparency, and evidence-based policymaking.
The engagement, held at the Radisson Hotel in Ikeja, was convened by the Office of Sustainable Development Goals.
Declaring the session open, the Special Adviser to the Governor on SDGs, Dr Oreoluwa Finnih, described the VLR as a strategic tool that strengthens governance systems, fosters inclusion, and ensures that development priorities translate into meaningful impact for residents.
According to her, the VLR represents more than a reporting requirement; it is a dynamic process that helps localise the global SDG agenda and align it with Lagos State’s unique realities and aspirations.
“The Voluntary Local Review was introduced to turn international goals into real, practical actions that address our local challenges. Since the launch of the first Lagos VLR in 2023, we have continued to scale up initiatives that reduce inequality, close developmental gaps, and promote shared prosperity,” Dr Finnih stated.
She noted that the 2025 VLR captures the State’s progress and updated strategies, relying on robust data and inclusive consultations that incorporate the voices of young people, women, and vulnerable groups. She added that the validation workshop provides an avenue for stronger coordination between government agencies, the private sector, and civil society to align policies, budgets, and programmes with SDG targets.
“As we approach the final stretch of the global SDG timeline, accelerating implementation is even more urgent. Your feedback is essential to making this review truly impactful,” she told participants.
In his remarks, the Senior Technical Advisor to the Presidency (OSSAP–SDGs), Dr Baba Yusuf Yunusa, praised Lagos State for its leadership in advancing sustainable development and its unwavering commitment to evidence-based governance.
He described Lagos as “a shining example of subnational SDG implementation,” noting that the VLR offers a platform to track progress, identify gaps, and highlight opportunities to fast-track the achievement of the 2030 Agenda.
“The SDGs are fundamentally about people. Governments must continue to mobilise resources, build partnerships, and sustain political commitment to ensure no one is left behind,” he said.
The technical review session was jointly facilitated by TRUSSVERSE Consulting and the Boston Consulting Group (BCG). Participants engaged in data validation, performance measurement reviews, and discussions aimed at refining strategic priorities in line with global SDG benchmarks.
Once finalised, the 2025 Lagos Voluntary Local Review will serve as a key tool for tracking progress, shaping evidence-based policies, and guiding future development interventions across the State.
Dignitaries present included 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, Ms Yemisi Ransome-Kuti; SDGs Champions across MDAs; development partners; private sector leaders; academics; and representatives of civil society and grassroots organisations.
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