The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has expressed concerns that weak implementation of laws, limited transparency, institutional vulnerabilities, and rising insecurity are hindering Nigeria's progress towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 16. This goal focuses on peace, justice, and strong institutions. CISLAC's executive director, Comrade Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani), presented the 9th Nigeria SDG 16 Shadow Report at a United Nations General Assembly side event in New York.
The report, covering the period from July 2025 to August 2026, assesses Nigeria's progress and setbacks in achieving SDG 16. According to Rafsanjani, the report presents a "mixed picture", acknowledging progress in areas such as illicit financial flows, asset recovery, and anti-money laundering. However, these gains have not translated into corresponding improvements in Nigeria's legal framework, transparency, access to information, and public confidence in institutions.
Rafsanjani identified persistent governance challenges, particularly weak and inconsistent implementation of laws and policies, as a major concern. Some public institutions remain vulnerable to political interference, which undermines their independence and effectiveness. He called for stronger safeguards to protect institutions established to serve the public interest, stressing the need for greater independence, transparency, and accountability.
The CISLAC executive director also highlighted concerns over political corruption, asset declarations, and unexplained wealth. These areas require stronger oversight to ensure accountability in the management of public resources. Rafsanjani emphasized the need for greater transparency and public accountability in the management of recovered assets, warning that without effective post-recovery tracking, these assets could become vulnerable to mismanagement.
The report expressed concerns over the integrity and effectiveness of key public institutions, particularly the judiciary, security institutions, and electoral bodies. Rafsanjani noted that concerns surrounding electoral processes, institutional independence, and the vetting of political appointees had further underscored the need for stronger accountability mechanisms. Insecurity, particularly the growing commercialization of kidnapping for ransom, was identified as a major threat to the achievement of SDG 16.
According to Rafsanjani, kidnapping has implications beyond security, affecting governance, economic development, human rights, and the rule of law. He warned that when citizens cannot live, work, or travel without fear, the foundations of peaceful and inclusive societies are weakened. Rafsanjani emphasized that peace, justice, and strong institutions remain fundamental to Nigeria's broader development agenda.
With the 2030 deadline for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals approaching, Rafsanjani warned that Nigeria faces an urgent implementation challenge. He noted that the country does not lack laws, policies, or institutions, but rather effective implementation and enforcement. To address these challenges, Rafsanjani called for stronger accountability mechanisms, greater transparency, and public engagement.
Key points
- Weak institutions and rising insecurity undermine Nigeria's progress towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 16.
- CISLAC calls for stronger safeguards to protect institutions and ensure accountability in public resource management.
- Nigeria faces an urgent implementation challenge as the 2030 deadline for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals approaches.
