The Lagos State Government has stressed the need for closer collaboration between the legal profession and policymakers to ensure that the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) translate into effective laws, policies and measurable results.
The Permanent Secretary, Office of Sustainable Development Goals, Lagos State Government, Mrs. Kaphayah Olayemi Sarumi, made the call at a stakeholders’ forum for policymakers and members of the legal community on SDG implementation.
The forum was held at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Alausa, Ikeja, with the theme, “Understanding the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): The Foundation, Principles and Role of the Legal Profession and Policymakers.”
Sarumi said the SDGs should not be seen only as global commitments, but as a framework for governments to turn development priorities into laws, policies, programmes and measurable results.
She noted that the Goals are already reflected in Lagos State’s development plans, including the Lagos State Development Plan 2052, planning and budgeting processes, sectoral policies and government programmes.
Sarumi also pointed to the connection between the different SDGs, noting that progress in one area can affect another.
“Quality education influences employment; employment influences poverty; gender equality influences economic participation; and strong institutions influence the successful delivery of virtually every other Goal,” she said.
Role of Legal Professionals
Sarumi said members of the legal profession have a role to play in advancing sustainable development through legislation, policy development, regulatory reform and access to justice, particularly for vulnerable and underserved groups.
She also said policymakers must help bridge the gap between government commitments and development outcomes.
According to her, policies must be evidence-based, inclusive, adequately funded, legally sound and measurable.
She stressed that announcing a policy or initiative should not be the end of the process, adding that government interventions should be regularly assessed to determine whether they are achieving their intended objectives.
Focus on SDG Results
With the 2030 deadline approaching, Sarumi said there was a need for greater urgency in the implementation of the Goals.
She urged stakeholders to consider how the SDGs could improve the way laws are made, policies are formulated, public resources are allocated and services are delivered.
“The SDGs provide the global framework, our laws provide the foundation, our policies provide the direction, our institutions provide the mechanism, and our collective action will determine the results,” Sarumi stated.
She urged legal professionals and policymakers to strengthen their collaboration towards building a more inclusive, resilient, prosperous and sustainable Lagos.
The forum brought together members of the legal profession, policymakers and other stakeholders to discuss ways of strengthening the role of law and public policy in the implementation of the SDGs in Lagos State.
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