The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal on Tuesday inaugurated the Working Group on Environmental Standards for the Sustainable Procurement Environmental and Social Standards Enhancement Project in Abuja, saying it is a pivotal step in our collective commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable development.
“By establishing this working group, we are taking a proactive step toward bridging the gap and building sustainable capacity in these sectors. It 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 said.
Balarabe pointed out that the project goals aligned seamlessly with President Tinubu’s vision for a more transparent procurement process, emphasizing that transparency is the cornerstone of good governance.
The Minister described the initiative as an integral part of our broader goals in enhancing capacity for global competitiveness, economic growth and job creation.
The Minister reiterated that developing and implementing an effective National certification scheme would enable Nigeria not only to invest in the future of our environment but also in the prosperity of our nation, emphasizing that it’s in line to achieving the Ministry’s mandate and 18 key deliverables areas of performance bond signed with Mr. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, Renewed Hope Agenda.
“The Sustainable Procurement, Environmental, and Social Standards Enhancement Program seek 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 recognized the need for a stronger pool of professionals in procurement, environmental management, and social standards”. He said.
He acknowledged the pivotal role of the World Bank in partnership with the Federal Government of Nigeria through the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning for their invaluable support and commitment to the innovative project.
He said, “The Working Group initiative is 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.
“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.
Balarabe commended the working group for their willingness to contribute their expertise, time, and energy to this important endeavor.
“Your commitment to this cause is a testament to your dedication to environmental stewardship.
“I have full confidence that this working group will work diligently and collaboratively to achieve its objectives. I expect that the recommendations and standards developed by this group will be robust, evidence-based, and actionable, with the potential to make a meaningful impact on the global environmental landscape,” he said.
Minister assured the audience that together, we could forge a path toward a more sustainable future, where the environment is protected, and all people could thrive.
He, however, called on all stakeholders to key into this 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.
In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Mahmud Adam Kambari reaffirmed the federal government commitment to this transformative endeavor and unwavering commitment to supporting the implementation of the SPESSE Project.
He said, “We must collectively strive to achieve the Project Development Objective within the remaining lifespan of the project by October 2024. While acknowledging the setbacks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, I am hopeful for an extension of the project to help us recover lost time and ensure the successful realization of our goals.”
Kambari implored the Chairpersons and members of the WgES and urged them not to relent in their efforts, added that they have been entrusted with a historic responsibility to contribute to the success of this national and patriotic assignment, the first of its kind in the Sub-Saharan African region.
He also acknowledged the relentless efforts of Mrs Rofikat Adebukola Odetoro – Project Coordinator SPESSE, Ministry of Environment node and the entire Project Implementation Unit (PIU) for their dedication and ingenuity in transforming the vision of the SPESSE Project into a tangible reality.
Kambari said their commitment has been instrumental in assembling some of the finest minds in our nation to form the Working Group, tasked with the pivotal role of advising, steering, and bridging the gap between academic knowledge and practical application.
Responding on behalf of the members of the Committee, the Chairman and the former Director, Pollution Control and Environmental Health, Ministry of Environment, former Permanent Secretary and former Head of Service of the Federation, Prof. Oladapo Afolabi CFR, commended the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal and assured him that the Committee will justify the confidence reposed on it.
Ibrahim Haruna
Head, Press and Public Relations Unit
