Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, stressed the urgent need for reform and international cooperation, noting that many countries in the global South remain significantly behind in achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030 agenda.
“Only about 16% of the SDG targets are on track. The global North must step up efforts to support sustainable development in the South,” Tuggar said. “If we fall short by 2030, an extension should be considered.”
Tuggar outlined several key measures to foster progress, including reforming the UN Security Council to grant Africa a permanent seat, restructuring international financial systems for inclusivity, and implementing comprehensive debt relief measures. He also called for increased support for African industries, stronger actions against illicit financial flows, and a global framework for tax cooperation to end Africa’s economic marginalization.
Emphasizing the need for fair energy transitions, Tuggar highlighted the importance of climate finance for loss and damage in the South, and bridging the global digital divide through technology sharing.
Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to the SDGs and urged the global community to adopt tangible actions that would deliver meaningful solutions for the global South, particularly Africa.
