The Wedding Cake Model as The Conceptual Framework for Implementing the  Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Nigeria:

Bamidele Olajide; Victor  Ojakorotu; Victor  Ojakorotu; David Ayo Babalola

Bamidele Olajide North West University
Victor Ojakorotu North West University, South Africa https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8705-804X
Victor Ojakorotu North West University, South Africa https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8705-804X
David Ayo Babalola Federal University, Oye Ekiti, Nigeria https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3461-4900

Abstract

This paper argues that the Sustainable Development Goals are poorly conceptualized in Nigeria. This accounts for the poor implementation profile of this development framework, and because of the SDGs' sheer number of goals and targets, a conceptual model that can aid its effective implementation is required. It posits that the Wedding Cake Model of the SDGs promises to achieve this end. The Model notes that SDGs should be conceptualized according to the importance of the goals, albeit they are interconnected. The Model holds that SDGs focusing on the biosphere are the first-order and most urgent, followed by SDGs on Society and Economy, respectively. The paper concludes that for effective implementation of the SDGs in Nigeria, stakeholders need to urgently dwell on SDGs in the Biosphere as the issues are more existential than the others. Implementing the other SDG groups effectively depends on the success of the Biospheric SDGs.