MDGs, Vision 2020 as mere slogans

As 2015 draws near, the attention of government officials and indeed all Nigerians would be on that year’sgeneral elections. However, 2015 means more than elections. 2015 has been set aside by the United Nations for developing countries to achieve set goals or targets towards promoting all round development and improvement in the life of the people of these countries. The attainment of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) would lay a solid foundation for sustainable development for the countries over time.

Unfortunately, indications are that Nigeria is in no position to achieve any of the set eight MDGs! The goals are: poverty eradication; universal basic education; gender equality and women empowerment; reduction of child mortality; improvement in maternal health; combatting HIV and AIDS; malaria, etc.; environmental protection and sustainability and development of global partnership for development.

On poverty eradication, there is little hope. Progress here is slow, no thanks to pervasive corruption and poor leadership commitment to stem the menace. As long as Nigeria runs a money-dependent democracy as obtains presently, there is no hope to curb corruption and save resources for investment to improve the life of majority of Nigerians. Despite claims by the government that the economy of the nation is improving, poverty is on the increase and more people are being alienated by the day.

Nigeria will not do badly in the area of universal basic education though again corruption is there to limit good performance. Much effort and resources have been expended on improving education but about 10 million children are still out of school. Coupled with the issue of low standard of education, the fear is that whatever progress is made in this area may not turn out the best quality citizens. Much stride is being made in the area of gender equality. However, progress here might be affected if there is no general improvement in the situation in the country.

There have not been impressive gains in the situation of infant mortality. This is even worsening in the rural areas in spite of commendable government effort to improve maternal and child health. Growing poverty and ignorance among majority of the people have an impact on infant mortality. 2015 remains a mirage. All stakeholders have to double effort and commitment to achieve success in this area at a later date. Maternal health and fight against HIV/ AIDS, malaria and other killer diseases are high on the agenda of government but progress is slow. Inadequate access to health facilities, poorly trained personnel and lack of adequate drugs are a problem.

Environmental sustainability is poor. Many people are still ignorant about their environment and the need to protect it. Desertification, pollution and gas flaring remain a challenge while most people still lack access to basic necessities like safe drinking water and sanitation. Nigeria is not doing badly in international partnership for development though data on the level as well as the impact on the life of the citizenry are still issues for controversy.

While it is clear and rather unfortunate that 2015 will pass by with Nigeria making only marginal success in one or two of the target areas, the situation is worse with the self-imposed target of Vision 20 20-20 put in place by the government to ensure that Nigeria becomes a major global player by the year 2020. 2020 is just six years away and with the crisis in all facets of our national life, the vision is blurred. Nigeria has to go the extra mile to be able to attain any of the goals in the either MDGs or Vision2020.