CSOs Score Tinubu High On SDGs, Youth Development

A coalition of civil society organisations under the umbrella of the Civil Society on Community Advancement and Humanitarian Empowerment Initiative (CSCHEI) has scored President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration 7 out of 10 on implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and 8 out of 10 on youth development efforts at the midpoint of his tenure.

Presenting the group’s midterm scorecard, CSCHEI director general, Kunle Yusuff, MON, said the administration had made “measurable progress” in key areas such as education, healthcare, food security, climate action, and youth empowerment, but noted that significant challenges remain in healthcare coverage, food affordability, social protection, and access to justice.

According to the report, the government scored 6.8/10 on healthcare following reforms such as the National Health Sector Renewal Initiative and expanding primary healthcare across the country.

However, setbacks were noted in antenatal care coverage, child vaccination rates, and diagnosis of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and hypertension.

The administration received a 7/10 score in education, driven by the Student Loans Act 2024, increased pre-primary enrollment, and modest gains in reading and arithmetic proficiency among government school pupils.

Still, the group flagged declining enrollment in public schools and a marginal rise in the number of out-of-school girls as areas of concern.

On youth development, the administration earned one of its highest ratings—8/10—due to initiatives like the Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA), Skill-Up Artisans Programme (SUPA), and the Renewed Hope Labour Employment and Empowerment Programme (LEEP), all designed to create millions of jobs and promote youth inclusion in governance.

“The Tinubu administration deserves commendation for prioritising youth engagement and skills development. Programmes like SUPA and NiYA are already equipping young Nigerians with market-ready skills,” the report stated.

The administration also received a 7/10 rating on climate action, with CSCHEI citing progress on the Energy Transition Plan, launch of the Climate Change Accountability Portal, and mobilisation of over $2.5 billion in climate finance.

However, the group noted Nigeria still faces a $27.2 billion annual climate finance gap and urged stronger private-sector collaboration.

In the security sector, the administration scored 6/10, citing improved military operations, better regional cooperation through the Multinational Joint Task Force, and the neutralisation of key bandit leaders. However, CSCHEI flagged rising cybercrime losses, persistent insurgency, and increasing mob justice incidents as setbacks.

Urban and housing development earned a 6.5/10 score, while food security and agriculture got 6.8/10. The report noted the declaration of a state of emergency on food security and the creation of the National Agricultural Development Fund as positive steps, but stressed the need for better coordination of food supply chains and stabilisation of food prices.

The group highlighted weak data and transparency in the administration’s pension policy and workers’ welfare, calling for improved oversight and accountability mechanisms.

CSCHEI urged the federal government to enhance policy monitoring and evaluation, deepen partnerships with civil society and development agencies, and aggressively pursue foreign grants and donor funding for critical sectors.

“President Tinubu’s administration has shown visible commitment to the SDGs and youth empowerment, but we urge greater transparency, inclusivity, and measurable impact in implementation,” said Yusuff.

The report serves as an independent midterm assessment of governance outcomes since the Tinubu administration took office in May 2023.