African Clean-Up Initiative Hosts Nigeria SDG Awards & Symposium 2025, Calls for Accelerated National Action Toward 2030 Agenda

The African Clean-up Initiative (ACI) successfully convened key national stakeholders at the 2025 Nigeria SDG Awards & Symposium, an event designed to accelerate Nigeria’s progress toward achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. The gathering brought together representatives from government agencies, international development organizations, civil society groups, youth-led initiatives, academia, and the private sector, reflecting a unified national push for sustainable development.

The symposium opened with a strong call for intensified national action and collaboration. Dr. Bala Yusuf Yunusa, MNI, Senior Technical Advisor at OSSAP-SDGs, emphasized that Nigeria stands at a critical point as the global SDG timeline approaches its final five years. He highlighted that achieving tangible results requires integrated planning, inclusive governance, shared accountability, and data-driven strategies. According to him, multi-sector cooperation is no longer optional but essential if Nigeria is to meet its commitments under the 2030 Agenda.

During the event, participants heard key insights from sector leaders. Mrs. Ibironke Favour Olubamise, National Coordinator of the GEF Small Grants Programme, reinforced the importance of investing in community-based environmental solutions. She underscored that grassroots projects remain central to solving climate, biodiversity, and land degradation challenges. She further appealed for wider inclusion of women and youth and reiterated the need for credible, accessible data to support SDG monitoring and evaluation. She encouraged innovators and community leaders across Nigeria to actively apply for GEF grants to support their sustainability projects.

Climate advocate Adamu Audu drew attention to state-led climate initiatives and the urgency of environmental action. He highlighted the encouraging example of Yobe State’s ongoing tree-planting and restoration efforts, urging other states to implement similar interventions. He stressed that climate action must be prioritized across local and state institutions, with communities playing a central role in afforestation, climate education, and sustainable land use.

In a strong youth-focused contribution, Engr. Onyinye Akubuilo-Okpalanma from Enugu State shared inspiring updates on SDG-related youth initiatives. She highlighted the increasing involvement of young people through NYSC SDG Community Development Service activities, community empowerment programs, and collaborative environmental efforts. She emphasized that youth leadership remains a major driver of innovation and grassroots impact across Nigerian communities.

BudgIT Co-founder, Oluseun Onigbinde, emphasized that effective SDG implementation depends on strong systems for data collection, transparency, and accountability. He noted that Nigeria must prioritize understanding data sources, improving data quality, and equipping citizens to actively hold institutions accountable. According to him, reliable data remains the backbone of successful project implementation, improved public spending, and measurable development outcomes.

The symposium also integrated wellness and social impact elements. Participants received free health screenings and preventive health guidance, reinforcing the need for improved national awareness on well-being as outlined in SDG 3. A compelling stage performance by children from the IDPs Bonding Session in Durumi shed light on the dangers of early child marriage and its implications for girls’ education, maternal health, and long-term national development. The emotional presentation served as a reminder of the urgent need for policy reforms and stronger protection systems for vulnerable children.

A major highlight of the event was the Nigeria SDG Awards ceremony, which recognized outstanding individuals, organizations, innovators, and institutions making meaningful contributions toward the SDGs. Award categories celebrated environmental leadership, social impact, youth innovation, corporate sustainability, and community development. The achievements of the awardees underscored the possibilities that emerge when individuals and organizations commit to sustainable solutions.

The symposium ended with closing remarks from Dr. Alexander Akhigbe, Convener and Founder of the African Cleanup Initiative. He reaffirmed ACI’s commitment to strengthening community-led sustainability efforts, deepening partnerships, and amplifying collective action. A final group photograph with awardees, speakers, and participants marked the end of a highly successful 2025 edition.

The Nigeria SDG Awards & Symposium reaffirmed that Nigeria’s progress toward the 2030 Agenda requires collaboration, innovation, stronger data systems, and active participation from all sectors. The event set a renewed sense of direction, one that prioritizes shared responsibility and sustained national commitment to sustainable development.