Nigeria Losing Money Due to Lack of Investment in Critical Sectors, Says Public Policy Advisor
Nabila Aguele, a public policy advisor, says Nigeria is losing money from a lack of investment in critical sectors.
Aguele spoke on Thursday at the International Youth Day event hosted by NGYouthSDGs, a network of young people for sustainable initiative, and Oxfam Nigeria.
The event is celebrated annually on August 12 with the goal of raising awareness on different issues affecting young people across the world.
Speaking on the theme, ‘Working With and For Youth Towards Achieving the SDGs’, Aguele said opportunities need to be created for more young people to hold the government accountable and to ensure transparency.
Investment in Critical Sectors and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Nigeria is not investing in sectors critical to its growth.
- The country is losing money to poor administration.
- Efficiency, poor administration, and corruption are causing financial losses.
- Alignment of funding with policies and priorities is crucial.
- Investment in health, education, young people, and job creation is essential for progress.
Youth Participation Shouldn’t Be Symbolic
Tunde Aremu, policy, research, and influencing manager at Plan International, Nigeria, said the youth, who are the major drivers of policy reforms, are critical to the growth of the country.
He emphasized that the advancement of the country or the growth of the economy cannot be discussed without the involvement of the generation that forms the largest part of the populace.
Creating an Enabling Environment for Youth Participation
- The young people of Nigeria form 70 percent of the population.
- Youth involvement and empowerment should not be merely symbolic.
- No country has made progress without active youth involvement.
- Youth movements have played a significant role in Nigeria’s history.
- The government should make it easy for youth-led businesses to access finances.
Equipping Young People for the Labour Market
Princewill Ogbodo, project coordinator at Oxfam Nigeria, said the event was organized to equip young people with the necessary skills to thrive in the labour market.
He called on President Bola Tinubu-led administration to create an enabling environment for more youths to actively participate in governance.
The youth unemployment rate is currently above 50 percent in the country, highlighting the need for infrastructure and policies that support youth employment and entrepreneurship.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators in the Article
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 4: Quality Education
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
- SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
The article addresses issues related to education, economic growth, inequalities, and governance, which are all connected to the Sustainable Development Goals mentioned above.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 4.1: By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable, and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes.
- SDG 8.2: Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading, and innovation, including through a focus on high-value-added and labor-intensive sectors.
- SDG 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status.
- SDG 16.6: Develop effective, accountable, and transparent institutions at all levels.
The article highlights the need for quality education for young people (SDG 4.1), investment in critical sectors for economic growth (SDG 8.2), inclusion of youth in decision-making processes (SDG 10.2), and the importance of transparent governance (SDG 16.6).
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Investment in education infrastructure and resources
- Employment rate among youth
- Percentage of youth involved in policy reforms and decision-making
- Transparency and accountability in government administration
The article implies indicators such as investment in education, youth employment rate, youth involvement in policy reforms, and transparency in government administration. These indicators can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 4: Quality Education | 4.1: By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable, and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes. | Investment in education infrastructure and resources |
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | 8.2: Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading, and innovation, including through a focus on high-value-added and labor-intensive sectors. | Employment rate among youth |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status. | Percentage of youth involved in policy reforms and decision-making |
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | 16.6: Develop effective, accountable, and transparent institutions at all levels. | Transparency and accountability in government administration |
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Source: thecable.ng
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