GOAL 1: Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger
Recent economic growth, particularly in agriculture, has markedly reduced the proportion of underweight children, from 35.7 per cent in 1990 to 23.1 per cent in 2008. However, growth has not generated enough jobs and the effect on poverty is not yet clear (the most recent data is from 2004. Growth needs to be more equitable and broad-based.
GOAL 2: Achieve Universal Primary Education
In a major step forward, nearly nine out of ten children, 88.8 per cent, are now enrolled in school. Nevertheless, regional differences are stark. Primary completion rates in states range from 2 per cent to 99 per cent. Low completion rates reflect poor learning environments and point to the urgent need to raise teaching standards. The rapid improvement in youth literacy, from 64.1 per cent to 80 per cent between 2000 and 2008, appears to have reached a plateau.
GOAL 4: Reduce child mortality
Progress in reducing child mortality has been rapid. With sustained effort and progress in other sectors, such as water and sanitation, there is a strong possibility of achieving Goal 4 by 2015.
Under-five mortality has fallen by nearly a fifth in five years, from 201 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2003, to 157 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2008.In the same period, the infant mortality rate fell even faster, from 100 to 75 deaths per 1,000 live births.
GOAL 5: Improve maternal health
Recent progress towards this goal is promising. If maintained at the same rate, Nigeria will reach the target by 2015 and turn progress on this Goal into a success story. Maternal mortality fell by 32 per cent, from 800 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2003 (at the time one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world) to 545 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2008. An innovative Midwives Service Scheme aims to raise the proportion of births attended by skilled health workers. This will further accelerate progress.
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