There is an ongoing debate among private, non-governmental, and governmental institutions about development and its degree of sustainability. This study sets out to answer whether or not India and Nigeria, as developing countries, are on the right path towards attaining sustainable development. If they are not, the study identifies a probable pathway, from developing to sustainable economy. This is achieved by conducting a comparative analysis of the development planning systems and sustainable development indicators, using the case studies of India and Nigeria. The results of this work will be useful to researchers, policy-makers and development workers.