This chapter examines important lessons for the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in Nigeria. It first provides a synoptic overview of MDG implementation in Nigeria before discussing the socio-economic and political challenges associated with achieving the MDGs in the country as well as the some of the efforts made by Nigerian governments at different levels to achieve the MDGs in the face of such challenges. It then outlines three major imperatives to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Nigeria by 2030 and concludes with some recommendations for overcoming the current challenges in relation to future poverty reduction and development strategies in the country. The chapter argues that Nigeria made little progress with respect to the MDGs, which were characterised by considerable stasis and undeniable reversals in some parts of the country.
The chapter reiterates Haq’s dissatisfaction with the development strategies for many of the countries in the developing world. Haq, in the capacity as an advocate for the Third World, outlines the key elements and potential challenges of enacting a new development strategy for developing countries, urging them to focus on poverty reduction, account for the basic needs of the poor and move towards self-reliance as opposed to being dependent on foreign assistance.
Achieving Sustainable Poverty Reduction and Rural Development in Nigeria through Local Economic Development Strategies