Nigeria

Paragraphs that mention volunteering

Paragraph 1, page 22

Page XXII: Participatory VNR Process 
Nigeria's approach to VNR preparation is integrated, participatory, inclusive, and evidence-based. It involves a wide array of stakeholders, including federal and state governments, CSOs, Volunteer Involving Organizations (VIOs), organized private sector, academia, parliamentarians, youth groups, women's organizations, persons with disabilities, and media organizations.                          

Paragraph 2, page 76

4.6. Special Review: Promoting Volunteerism as a Means of Implementing the 2030 Agenda 
Volunteerism has increasingly become an integral part of Nigeria's development landscape, with increasing incorporation into sectoral policies and strategies. This reflects an institutional recognition of the significant role volunteers play in advancing national priorities and achieving the SDGs. Volunteerism has enhanced service delivery, mobilized civic participation, and expanded the reach of government and non-governmental initiatives, especially in marginalized communities.
One notable example is the National Youth Policy (2019–2023), which situates volunteerism at the heart of youth empowerment and civic engagement. Through this policy, initiatives such as the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) have been strengthened, mobilizing thousands of graduates to deliver services across health, education, infrastructure, and governance. Similarly, the National Health Policy integrates volunteers into public health efforts, notably during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, where volunteers supported awareness campaigns and contact tracing.
In employment and economic development, the N-Power Volunteer Corps under the National Employment Policy provided temporary placement for young Nigerians, equipping them with valuable work experience.
Volunteerism has also been leveraged in gender-focused policies, with initiatives under the National Gender Policy empowering women and promoting inclusive participation in community development. In education, the National Policy on Education promotes community involvement and volunteer engagement in school support activities, significantly improving learning outcomes in underserved areas.
Following Nigeria's 2020 VNR, new initiatives further emphasized the contributions of volunteers in achieving the SDGs. For instance, the ADVISER Initiative (SDG 3) used volunteers to increase immunization uptake among children in Oyo state. Similarly, the N-Power Teach Programme (SDG 4) improved primary education by deploying volunteers in public schools, while the EQUIP Initiative (SDG 5) engaged volunteers to provide entrepreneurial training to over 60,000 women and youth.
In support of SDG 8, volunteer-led youth groups such as the Nigeria Youth SDGs Network (NGYouthSDGs) advanced employment through digital skills training. Environmental sustainability initiatives (SDG 13) like beach clean-ups in Lagos, 
spearheaded by volunteers and corporate partners, have raised awareness and driven grassroots climate action. 
Recent policy developments, such as the National Policy on Inclusive Volunteerism (2020) have established frameworks for structured volunteer engagement, including a National Volunteer Database. This progress, however, is tempered by challenges such as inadequate funding, limited recognition, coordination gaps, and 
safety concerns for volunteers. Addressing these issues requires sustained investment, formal incentives, centralized monitoring systems, and community sensitization to mainstream the culture of volunteerism. Nigeria's evolving volunteerism landscape demonstrates strong alignment with national development 
priorities and the 2030 Agenda. 
Enhanced institutional support, strategic partnerships, and community ownership will be key to scaling the impact of volunteers in development across the country.                                                      

Paragraph 3, page 86

Promote Male Engagement in Gender Advocacy 
Increase sensitization efforts targeted at boys and young men on gender issues, while encouraging male participation in volunteerism and advocacy. Engaging men as allies is essential for advancing gender equality and fostering a society that values shared responsibility in achieving equity.                                                       

Paragraph 4, page 101

Community Engagement and Awareness
Low awareness of SDGs among rural communities and harmful cultural and traditional practices hinder progress. Community sensitization and mobilization through community stakeholders, community volunteers, youth, traditional leaders, and religious clerics are essential to address socio-cultural barriers and gain community buy-in and ownership.                                                                                                

Paragraph 5, page 106

Strengthening active participation of different groups of Nigerians to their country's sustainable development and peacebuilding efforts through volunteerism and other means of citizen engagement. 

Paragraphs that mention the integration of volunteering into development plans, policies and strategies No mention