Proceedings of the 2nd (Hybrid) International Conference, Faculty of Social Sciences, Niger Delta University, Held on March 13, 2024
March, 2024
Pages 438-468
DOI: 10.36108/wjss/ConfP.2024.025
THE FUTILITY OF TRANSITION FROM MDGs TO SDGs IN NIGERIA’S GOVERNANCE AND DEVELOPMENT
Bubarayi G. Ibani and Aristotle Isaac Jacobs
Abstract
After the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) had been in place for 15 years, this research takes a close look at Nigeria’s acceptance of the SDGs. According to the research, before transitioning to execute the SDGs programme with other nations across the globe, the MGDs failed to accomplish its fundamental aim of reducing poverty. The study aims, in part, to assess the degree to which the Nigerian government is failing to achieve the Millennium Development Goal 1 target of eliminating poverty. (ii) The prevention of corruption and enforcement of the rule of law were obstacles to Nigeria’s achievement of the poverty reduction objective set forth in MDG 1. Moreover, it would be futile to go from the MDGs to the SDGs unless corruption is eradicated. The theory behind this project is based on that of USAID (the US Agency for International Development). Researchers used a descriptive research technique and drew data from secondary sources for the study. The Nigerian government’s dismal showing on all fronts of effective leadership, according to studies conducted using the World Bank’s Worldwide Governance Index (WGI), severely impeded anti-poverty initiatives. According to this study, the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) project failed in Nigeria because the country’s central government ignored legal requirements while implementing the programme. By preventing rulers from acting arbitrarily, the rule of law makes sure that the political system works well, which is good for everyone involved and helps keep the peace. Nevertheless, the administration has solemnly pledged to maintain the rule of law since the establishment of democratic governance in 1999. Based on this research, Nigeria would not be able to achieve any of the five (5) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) prior to the 2030 Agenda: People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace, and Partnership, as long as the country does not have a functioning legal system and due process of governance.
Keywords: MDGs, SDGs, Rule of Law, World Bank’s World-wide Governance Index, Partnership.