SDGs; The Workings of Integrated National Financing Framework, INFF,
BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF
The grand lunch of the Integrated National Financing Framework, INFF, in Nigeria was geared towards efforts at resolving all immediate and remote gaps of sustainable development in all areas, prior to 2020-2030 Agenda that is few years away as envisaged by the SDGs.
With the lunch , no doubt, the teething issues of funding from public purse , private spirited entities, multinationals among many others has become a thing of the past four years down the line and the public sector.
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The related social , humanitarian and climatic situations powered by the 17 goals of Sustainable Development Goals SDGs, will now require a concerted efforts both from the public and private sector with a view to achieving the targeted 2020-2030 decade of action .
No doubt , with the indefatigable leadership under the SSAP- SDGs, Princes Adejoke Adefulire whose wealth of experience spanned many decades , and one decade on the global program, it is as good as been achieved and attained.
This was also buttressed and encouraged by the partnership existing between the SDGs and National Bureau of Statistics, NBS brokered by the SSAP- SDGs, that encouraged both transparency and accountability on its activities and also applicable to public scrutiny.
This was coming at the backdrop of the launching at the global fora at UNGA 77, of the Integrated National Financing Framework INFF in 2022 , a program that will guarantee the provision for funds and financing for the development outside the public funds by the Nigeria’s SDGs leadership, under the Senior Special Assistant to the President, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire.
The Presidential launching in 2022 that attracted laudable commendation from the global bodies and countries yearning for more sustainable development, was in line with the decade of action 2020-2030, and consolidated for accelerated action at the UNGA 78 in 2023.
In synergy with other global bodies, wealth of experience and exposure of SSAP-SDGs, the European Union (EU), the United Nations (UN), among others rallied concerted and concrete efforts that advanced and advocated after the launching by the Nigeria government of the need to up the game, so as to resolving all round deficit using the SDGs as a spring board, and with a charge to rally round Nigeria’s SDGs.
However, with Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, the SSAP- SDGs to the President ,expert in human crises management and development spanned for many decades , the focus on consolidation of the development goals became the rallying point of the participating nations from all walks of life, now germane with the current positive development.
With the current breakthrough through the global lunch domesticated in Nigeria, the issue of funding has now become a thing of the past towards the decades of action and public sector.
The statement further reads as the SSAP- SDGs was the convener and arrow head of the action..
“Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, highlighted Nigeria’s progress in institutionalising the INFF, noting that Development Finance Assessments and national coordination structures are already in place.”
” She described the framework as a roadmap for “mobilising resources more prudently, effectively and inclusively,” but admitted that challenges persist, especially in domestic resource mobilisation and aligning external finance with national needs.”
“Nigeria’s push to strengthen the foundations of sustainable development financing received a major boost in Lagos as governments , leaders, development partners, private sector institutions, and civil society organisations converged for a three-day retreat dedicated to deepening the implementation of the Integrated National Financing Framework (INFF).”
“Held from 24 to 26 November 2025, the retreat focused squarely on translating the INFF from a policy framework into a practical, results-driven instrument capable of mobilising resources for national priorities and accelerating progress on the SDGs.”
“Described as one of the most important meetings on Nigeria’s financing future in recent years, the retreat, themed: “Deepening the Implementation of Nigeria’s Integrated National Financing Framework (INFF): Lessons, Opportunities and Next Steps,” sought to chart a bold path for financing the nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and National Development Plan.”
“It was to confront Nigeria’s persistent financing gaps and propose actionable solutions to strengthen domestic revenue, attract private investment, and improve coordination across federal and state levels.”
” Participants agreed that Nigeria’s financing challenges cannot be solved through public resources alone and that the INFF must serve as a unifying structure for aligning public, private, domestic, and external financing.”
“This guiding vision shaped all deliberations and produced a set of clear, practical outcomes.”
“According to a statement released by Desmond Utomwen, Special Assistant on Media, Publicity and Strategic Communications in OSSAP-SDGs, a key highlight was the strong call for sub-national integration. ”
“Participants noted that most development challenges—and opportunities—reside at the state level, yet financing strategies remain heavily federal-centric. ”
“The retreat therefore resolved that the INFF must embed tailored state-level approaches, improve FAAC utilisation, and support states with capacity, investment readiness, and project preparation. ”
“Part of the outcomes includes the unanimous recommendation for establishing a National Project Preparation Facility to help states and MDAs convert ideas into bankable projects capable of attracting investors. This will ensure that good ideas do not die as a result of lack of structuring.”
“Participants also noted that political commitment at the highest level is essential to restore investor confidence, stressing that the National Steering Committee of the INFF must take a more visible, active role in driving reforms, especially around tax policy, investment alignment, and public finance restructuring.”
” Development partners, including the European Union, noted that investors still question the tangible impact of the INFF and urged stronger government co-financing to demonstrate ownership.”
“The meeting, which was co-chaired by the OSSAP-SDGs, UNDP and the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning also reaffirmed the need to scale innovative financing models such as blended finance, green bonds, impact investment, and Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) and underscored that improved transparency, efficient procurement systems, digitalised tax administration, and strengthened monitoring and evaluation are indispensable for expanding fiscal space and ensuring accountability.”
“The European Union delegation echoed this urgency. Representing the EU, Mr. Reuben Alba-Aguilera warned that Nigeria cannot rely solely on public revenue to meet its development needs.”
“While public finance remains fundamental, it cannot on its own bridge Nigeria’s widening financing gaps,” he said, adding that innovative partnerships, blended finance tools, and private sector mobilisation are now indispensable.”
” He reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to governance, climate action, and public finance reforms, describing the INFF as a vital platform for aligning finance with national priorities.”
“Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, highlighted Nigeria’s progress in institutionalising the INFF, noting that Development Finance Assessments and national coordination structures are already in place.”
” She described the framework as a roadmap for “mobilising resources more prudently, effectively and inclusively,” but admitted that challenges persist, especially in domestic resource mobilisation and aligning external finance with national needs.”
“Experts from UNDP, the Bank of Industry, CSEA, FIRS, and several private sector institutions delivered technical presentations that underscored Nigeria’s financing gaps but also illuminated promising opportunities. ”
“UNDP’s Tony Muhumuza emphasised the need for coherence in financing systems, while BOI Chairman, Dr. Mansur Mukhtar, stressed that public finance reforms are essential for building trust and catalysing investment. ”
“Also speaking, the Co-Chair of the INFF Core Working Group, Mr. Felix Okonkwo described the INFF as the nation’s “strategic vehicle for orchestrating and mobilising resources across public and private quadrants.”
“The retreat provided a rare opportunity for stakeholders to shift from theoretical discussions to problem-solving, with participants resolving to move from theory to practice and confront implementation bottlenecks head-on.”
With SDGs leadership bringing on board of major financial stakeholders in the country and development partners , no doubt funding of both public utilities and welfare programs of Nigerians has become a thing of the past .
Written BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF on yus.abubakar3@gmail.com.
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER, MARCH 3RD 2026)
