Abuja: The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, in collaboration with the Sustainable Procurement, Environmental and Social Standards Enhancement (SPESSE) project and other partners, has taken steps to address capacity gaps in social standards operations in Nigeria. The initiative aims to strengthen professional capacity and improve standards in procurement, environmental management, and social safeguards across the country.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, this development was highlighted during a three-day meeting of the Nigerian Social Standards Practice Certification Programme (NSSPCP) Oversight Board. The Nigerian Social Standards Certification Programme (NSSCP) is a World Bank-supported project, implemented by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, the Ministry of Works and Housing (Lands Department), with the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs as the lead implementing agency.
In her opening remarks, the Minister of Women Affairs, Hajia Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, represented by Mr. Samail Adamu, Director of Gender Affairs, stated that SPESSE was designed to address capacity gaps in procurement, environmental, and social safeguards. This meeting marks a significant step towards strengthening the social standards profession in Nigeria.
SPESSE governs the Social Standards Certification Scheme in Nigeria and aims to achieve key milestones under the project. The Nigerian Social Standards Practice Certification Oversight Board plays a strategic role as a gatekeeper of quality and credibility for the social standards profession in the country.
Adamu emphasized the board’s responsibility in developing and standardizing the social standards curriculum, professional certification and regulation, quality assurance, and continuous professional development. The NSSPC’s role in building sustainable capacity and strengthening controls for social safeguards at national and sub-national levels, in line with the World Bank Environmental and Social Framework, is crucial.
He urged members to be detailed and strategic during their review of the professional certification examination and certification framework to ensure effective and acceptable outcomes. Adamu also commended the project’s Social Standards Node and acknowledged the support of the National Universities Commission and the World Bank, noting ongoing efforts to establish a Social Standards cadre within the Federal Civil Service.
Mr. Alabi Collins, Director of Lands and Housing Development, emphasized the meeting’s purpose to advance the certification process, assess progress, and strengthen the framework for national recognition. He praised the cooperation of the Centres of Excellence in this process.
World Bank social development consultant Mr. Tosin Oso highlighted the project’s design to address capacity gaps in Nigeria’s systems, aligning with global best practices. Despite initial delays due to COVID-19, full implementation began in 2021, with the lending period extended to 2026 and additional financing running until 2029.
Dr. Joy Loma, Deputy Director at the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, commended the World Bank’s support, noting that the SPESSE project’s objectives align with national priorities on human capital development, inclusivity, and social justice. She emphasized the importance of building capacity in procurement, environmental, and social safeguards to strengthen institutions and promote national growth.