Abuja: Social development experts have commended the Federal Government and the World Bank for taking major steps to formalise the certification framework for social standards practice in Nigeria. They made the commendation at the second regular board meeting of the Nigerian Social Standards Practice Certification Programme (NSSPCP), which was held in Abuja during which the formalisation was carried out.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the certification was under the auspices of the Social Standards Node under the World Bank-funded Sustainable Procurement, Environmental and Social Standards Enhancement (SPESSE) Project. Experts say social standards refer to the accepted norms, expectations, and behaviours that govern social interactions and relationships within a society or community.
At the opening session, Prof. Muhammad Nuhu, Chairman of the Certification Board, highlighted the transition from informal practices to a structured, regulated system. He noted that the programme requirements were in line with both local realities and international best practices. Prof. Nuhu stressed the importance of certified experts in managing critical aspects of development, stating that over 1,000 individuals were already certified, with an additional 700 joining.
Mr. Bemjamin Okwesa, Administrative Secretary and Project Coordinator, explained that the NSSPCP was established to bridge a gap in the country’s project execution. He emphasized that the certification ensures only competent professionals handle sensitive aspects of development work, and noted that over 40,000 participants have completed various training and orientation courses.
Okwesa further detailed a roadmap to expand training across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, aiming to maintain consistent quality among the 1,700 certified practitioners. He announced plans for the official convocation and induction ceremony of all certified professionals, marking a significant step toward responsible development in Nigeria.
Mr. Isibor Abdulsalami, representing the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, stated that the formal structure would strengthen inclusion, ensuring that gender equity and social inclusion are embedded in every module. He emphasized that the framework guarantees that all voices are heard and rights are protected.
Mr. Emmanuel Igbinasun, Director of Productivity Measurement and Labour Standards at the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, remarked on the importance of the qualification for social safeguards in government and donor-funded projects. He explained that formalising the framework establishes a clear benchmark for competence, building trust among communities, investors, and regulators.