The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, said this during the inauguration of the Working Group on Environmental Standards for the Sustainable Procurement, Environmental and Social Standard Enhancement Project in Abuja.
Lawal said the working group represents a pivotal step in the collective commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable development.
He said, “By incubating this initiative, aimed at enhancing human capacity in sustainable procurement, environmental, and social standards in both the public and private sectors, they have demonstrated a clear vision and dedication to creating a more sustainable future for all.
“The SPESSE programme seeks to address a critical gap in our country’s capacity, including the inadequate supply of qualified professionals in procurement, environmental management, and social standards. We have recognised the need for a stronger pool of professionals in procurement, environmental management, and social standards.
“This project will play a pivotal role in filling this void, equipping our workforce with the expertise needed to drive sustainable practices across various sectors. By establishing this working group, we are taking a proactive step toward bridging this gap and building sustainable capacity in these sectors. This is essential not only for the success of the project but also for the long-term sustainability and resilience of our economy and society.”
He also said the initiative is integral to our broader goals of enhanced capacity for global competitiveness, economic growth and job creation.
“A skilled workforce is essential to driving innovation and resilience. By developing and implementing an effective National certification scheme, we are not only investing in the future of our environment but also in the prosperity of our nation.
“The working group holds a central place in our efforts to enhance support and foster relevant stakeholders collaboration, both of which are fundamental pillars of the SPESSE Project Development Objectives. By uniting line experts and harnessing their collective expertise, the Working Group on Environmental Standards will play a crucial role in supporting the Project Implementation Unit in developing a nationally and globally respected certification scheme.
“This scheme will not only raise the bar for environmental standards in our country but also position us as a leader in sustainable development on the international stage,” he added.
The SPESSE project coordinator, Rofikat Odetoro noted that the FG obtained financing from the World Bank-International Department Association for funding sustainable capacity building in Nigeria in the fields of procurement, environmental, and social standards.
“The project was approved on February 18, 2020, shortly before the lockdown of government operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic with expected closing date of October 31, 2024. However, the project was extended to 2027 because of the pandemic.
“The project is designed to build the capacity of professionals in the management and practice of PES standards within the country.
“The project is also intended to bridge the gap of insufficient supply of quality supply of quality professionals and develop appropriate academic programmes and curriculum in the Nigerian Education System to build appropriate capacity,” Odetoro said.
