The Federal Government has warned that with four years to 2015 in meeting the target of the Millenium Development Goals (MDGs), Nigeria may not realize goals four and five unless all hands are on deck.
The fear for attainment of Goals four and five which deals with child mortality and maternal health, were raised in the second and third quarter, 2011 report of the MDGs, to the Presidential committee on the Assessment and Monitoring of MDGs in Nigeria.
Speaking to State House correspondents, shortly after an all inclusive stakeholders meeting at the Council Chambers of the presidential villa, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on MDGs, Dr. Precious Kalamba Gbenol, stated that unless there is a renewed commitment on the part of federal, state and local governments towards the attainment of this goals, it may be difficult for the country to meet the UN deadline of 2015.
She called for greater commitment to increase funding towards delivering of quality pro-poor services at the local level and also called on the National Assembly, to ensure the delivery of MDGs through adequate budgetary appropriations to key sectors.
She listed "improving governance and accountability, strengthening coordination between the three tiers of government, mobilizing the commitment of communities as key stakeholders as well as mainstreaming MDGs into national development plans" as gain that will flow from proper coordination.
Gbenol also appealed to the civil society to enhance their community watchdog role and provide critical feedback to inform policy development and planning
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