The Federal Government has come out to say that the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic across the world has challenged the prospects of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs revealed this at Lafarge Africa Sustainability Webinar series.

According to her, the socio-economic uncertainties and disruptions of the pandemic happened at a substantial cost to the Nigerian economy, which was greatly dependent on oil and gas revenues.

She added that COVID-19 has revealed the vulnerability of healthcare systems in developing countries and the issues have to be rectified.

Her words, “Unfortunately, just as we commenced the ‘Decade of Action’ for the SDGs in January 2020, the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic across the world has now challenged the prospects of achieving the SDGs.”

“Indeed, beyond the health hazards and human consequences of the pandemic, the socio-economic uncertainties and disruptions come at a substantial cost to the Nigerian economy – which is largely dependent on oil and gas revenues.”

“Evidently, COVID-19 has revealed the vulnerability of healthcare systems in developing countries.”

“Unfortunately, those who suffered the most are the poor and most vulnerable – women, children, people with disabilities, and older persons.”

“Regrettably, it had to take COVID-19 outbreak to appreciate these and we now have the responsibility to act quick, act strong, and act precisely to attain the transformational change we all desire.”

“It is said that ‘critical times call for critical measures.”

“This extraordinary moment requires that we all come together to find creative and innovative ways to build more equal, inclusive, and resilient societies.

“We must urgently build-back if we are to be on track to achieve the SDGs by 2030.

“Evidently, one of the most effective ways to do this is by strengthening existing partnerships between the public and private sectors and other critical stakeholders.

“We have seen classical demonstrations of these partnerships in the fight against COVID-19.”