Abuja: The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), an NGO, has unveiled the 8th edition of the Nigeria Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 16 Shadow Report. The Executive Director of CISLAC, Malam Auwal Rafsanjani, presented the report on the sideline of the ongoing United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), in New York, United States of America.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Rafsanjani, who is also the Head of Transparency International (TI) Nigeria, explained that the report which covered July 2024 to August 2025, is themed ‘Leaving No One Behind: Anti-Corruption, Right to Information, and Justice for All.’ He said that it provided an independent assessment of Nigeria’s progress, and in many areas setbacks, in meeting SDGs 16, which is dedicated to peace, justice, and strong institutions.
‘It is an honour to stand before you today on behalf of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), the national chapter of Transparency International in Nigeria, as we launch the 8th edition of the Nigeria SDG 16 Shadow Report. CISLAC and TI Nigeria express our profound gratitude to the TI Secretariat in Berlin for their technical and strategic support in realizing this shadow report.
Rafsanjani noted persistent governance challenges, stating that Nigeria has made legislative and policy advances but enforcement remains weak, often selective, and undermined by political interference. ‘Institutions that should serve the people are too frequently captured for private or political gain,’ he said.
He pointed out a deeper concern regarding the entrenched culture of impunity among political leaders who refuse to declare their assets to the Code of Conduct Bureau. This, he stated, is a violation of constitutional requirements, and disregarding accountability erodes public trust and undermines the ability of anti-corruption agencies to function effectively.
Rafsanjani added, ‘Rather than leading by example, many political office holders divert taxpayers’ money to acquire luxury properties both within Nigeria and abroad, fueling illicit financial flows. Such lapses entrench corruption and create a dangerous precedent in which laws are applied selectively, shielding the powerful while ordinary citizens suffer the consequences of weak governance.’
He emphasized that the 8th SDG 16 Shadow Report serves as both a mirror and a roadmap, showing where the country stands and what must change. Rafsanjani called on the Nigerian Government, civil society, and international partners to recommit to transparency, accountability, and justice, not just in words but in concrete action.
‘The path to national renewal lies in strong institutions, a protected civic space, and genuine respect for the rule of law. Only then can we truly ensure that no one is left behind,’ he concluded.