The United Nations in Nigeria has called for urgent action plan to mobilise financing, strengthen partnerships to enhance an investment in people to works to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Africa.

Speaking at the Africa Social Impact Summit 2026 in Lagos, the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Wafaa Saeed, represented by Muriel Mafico, UNFPA Representative said, “The wealth of a nation is not measured by what it extracts from the ground. It is measured by what it unlocks in its people.”

She highlighted the need for bold and people-centred investments to address growing development challenges and unlock Africa’s potential, saying,despite these challenges, Africa’s future remains firmly within its own hands.

Talking to representative of government, development partners, civil society organisations and private-sector leaders, she noted that the Summit came at a critical moment for the continent to discuss on financing projects and ultimately about expanding opportunities for people and communities.

She underscored the importance of ensuring that every child could learn, every young person could access meaningful work, every woman could realise her potential, and every community could build resilience against future shocks.

The UN Representative therefore pointed out to mounting global challenges, including slower economic growth, rising debt levels, declining development assistance, climate-related shocks and ongoing conflicts in some parts of Africa.

She cited recent findings showing that only 36 per cent of SDG targets are currently on track or making moderate progress, while official development assistance has declined significantly and the financing gap for developing countries remains substantial.

“With less than five years remaining to achieve the 2030 Agenda, we called for greater urgency, solidarity and ambitions in advancing sustainable development efforts that are focusing on Nigeria.”

Mafico described the country’s large youth population as one of its greatest development opportunities, stressing that there should be strategic investments in people that could position Nigeria as a global hub for innovation, entrepreneurship and inclusive economic growth.

“On failure to invest could deepen inequalities and limit opportunities for future generations.We urge African countries to strengthen domestic solutions and leadership, so that sustainable development must be driven by national ownership, innovation and collective responsibility.”

According to her, No country can outsource its development. No nation can import resilience and the importance of building strong partnerships that could complement national efforts.

On transformation in development financing, Mafico emphasised the need to unlock private capital, strengthen domestic resource mobilisation, support entrepreneurship and innovation, invest in women and young people, and harness technology to promote inclusion and opportunity.

She also stressed that development partnerships must remain focused on people and impact, saying, the United Nations’ work in Nigeria is on partnering with government, civil society, the private sector and development partners to accelerate progress across key areas.

Reaffirming the United Nations’ commitment to leaving no one behind, Ms. Mafico called on stakeholders to translate commitments into action and partnerships into measurable results, including institutional strengthening, social protection, food systems transformation, renewable energy, digital innovation, education, and opportunities for women and youth

She expressed confidence in Africa’s immense potential, describing the continent as rich in talent, ideas, entrepreneurship and energy, while underscoring the need to mobilise capital that matches its ambitions.

She concluded by urging participants to ensure that the Summit is remembered not for the discussions held, but for the partnerships forged, investments unlocked and collective action taken to build a more prosperous and inclusive future for all.