Overcoming the Challenges to Achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Nigeria Through the Development Communication Paradigm

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) championed by the United Nations (UN) in 2015, are global concerted effort to bring about positive change in all member countries by 2030. Achieving the SDGs in Nigeria faces numerous challenges, this paper explores the potential of the development communication paradigm as a strategic approach to overcome these challenges. Development communication paradigm offers a pathway to mobilise development recipients, development communicators as well as stakeholders to foster inclusive, hence sustainable development by leveraging both modern communication technologies and traditional media. The study examines strategies to leverage the mass media as a tool for communicating development as well as facilitating public discourse to address development challenges. Undoubtedly, a robust development communication framework can significantly contribute to achieving the SDGs in Nigeria by fostering a better informed, actively engaged, and resilient communities. The paper concludes with recommendations for utilising the mass media in driving sustainable development in Nigeria.