EnvironmentNewsNigeriaFG inaugurates working group on environmental, social standards enhancement project

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The Federal Government (FG) has inaugurated a working group on environmental standards of the Sustainable Procurement Environmental and Social Standards Enhancement Project (SPESSE).

The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal while inaugurating the group yesterday in Abuja, said that the group represents a pivotal step in its collective commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable development.

Lawal stated that the initiative is integral to their 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”.

He noted that the Working Group on Environment Standards (WgES) 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 (PDOs).

He said this will unite line experts and harness their collective expertise, stressing that the Working Group on Environmental Standards (WgES) will play a crucial role in supporting the Project Implementation Unit (PIU) 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 said.

He commended each member of the committee for their commitment to this important National assignment.

“Together, we have the opportunity to shape the future of procurement and environmental professionals and ensure that Environmental/Social standards are prioritized and upheld in all aspects/sectors of the economy,” he said.

The Minister expressed deep gratitude and appreciation to the World Bank and the Federal Government of Nigeria through the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning for their invaluable support and commitment to this innovative project.

“For   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,” he added.

Also speaking, the Project Coordinator SPESSE, Mrs. Rofikat Odetoro said the project is sponsored by the World Bank to enhance the capacity of environmental professionals in Nigeria.

“The project was designed for five years and it was approved February 18, 2020 shortly before the shutdown of COVID-19 pandemic by government operation, the  project is also expected  to be closed on October 31st 2024. But we lost two years due to effect of COVID -19. So we went back to World Bank, seeking for extension since it was   funded already

“We want them to extend the life span of the project. If they do, Nigerians and civil servants are going to be trained free without cost,” she stated.

Odetoro stressed that the working group on environmental standards was put in place to fast track project implementation in line with the renewed hope agenda of Mr. President.

“It is believed that when an environment is sustainable protected our eco-resources will be preserved and available for the future use,”

She further noted that “This will also reduce poverty, when we enhance capacity, this will create a platform for Nigerian youths to compete globally for jobs and unemployment will reduce.

Meanwhile, the project Coordinator revealed that basically the working group on environmental standards is specifically to support the implementation of project development, for content creation and certification schemes and to ensure inclusiveness and robustness of the programme.

Uzoamaka Ikezue (Staff Reporter)

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