To achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, Nigeria needs to invest 10 billion dollars annually, the United Nations (UN) has said.

Deputy Secretary-General of the UN, Amina Mohammed, during the 20th anniversary celebration of MTN Nigeria Foundation themed: “Unlocking Private Capital for Sustainable Development in Nigeria”, said achieving global goals will require support from all sectors, far beyond the reach of governments alone.

“Bridging this gap requires bold partnerships and contributions to the private sector from organisations like MTN Foundation and from international partners.

“It will also require creating a foundation of trust by tackling corruption, addressing illicit financial flows and fostering an environment where investments benefit all excellencies,” she said.

Mohammed said that the UN is willing to support the MTN foundation and other private sector partners to amplify the collective impact.

“We can accelerate action on the SDGs, foster innovation and address systemic barriers to development.

“Through these partnerships, we can expand green and digital transitions in a way that leaves no one behind, ensuring that progress reaches all communities,” she said.

The Chairman of MTN Nigeria, Dr Ernest Ndukwe, said that the MTN foundation had stayed the course in transforming lives, empowering communities and investing in the future of Nigeria.

He said that MTN will allocate one per cent of its profit after tax to the foundation to make it possible for 50 major projects across education, healthcare and economy.

Acting Chairman of the MTN Nigeria Foundation, Dennis Okoro, said that the foundation had made remarkable contributions to the Nigerian social economic development.

Okoro said that these contributions came through empowering communities, driving social impact, improving access to opportunities in education, healthcare, skills, and funding community infrastructure.

“Since its inception, the Foundation has invested over N30 billion in more than 50 unique projects and initiatives, positively impacting approximately N31.3 million Nigerians in 3,323 communities nationwide.

“As we gather to celebrate two decades of impactful philanthropic and transformative community engagement, we are inspired by the theme of this milestone event, Unlocking Private Capital for Sustainable Development in Nigeria.

“We recognise the critical role that private capital plays in driving economic growth, fostering innovation and ultimately uplifting communities over the past 20 years.

He said that the foundation was driven by the belief that harnessing the collective potential of the private sector would contribute significantly to national development goals and improve the quality of life of all Nigerians.

Executive-Director, MTN Nigeria Foundation, Odunayo Sanya, said that the foundation had repositioned for the next 20 years with the unveiling of new identity, purpose, vision, mission, and logo.

“We have repositioned for the next 20 years, and we are building an MTN foundation that is future fit, and that will do much more within our communities and help to build our nation, Nigeria.

“Part of our mission is to forge collaborations and partnerships so that we can scale up impact across Nigeria. That is the plan,” she said.