The Nigerian government has launched a nationwide training programme to strengthen its workforce’s capacity in implementing and upgrading social standards across key sectors of the economy.
The initiative, which commenced in Abuja on Wednesday, aims to address weak compliance with social safeguards and close gaps in inclusive, rights-based development approaches.
Speaking at the Social Standards Node Training under the Sustainable Procurement, Environmental and Social Standards Enhancement (SPESSE) project, the Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, said the training would help promote sustainable development, improve working conditions, and enhance the general quality of life for Nigerians.
Represented by Mr Benjamin Okwesa, SPESSE Project Coordinator in the ministry, the Minister noted that the training is being implemented in collaboration with the Federal Ministries of Labour and Employment, Housing and Urban Development, and is supported by the World Bank.
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She explained that the SPESSE project’s Social Standards Node will equip the ministry and its partners to address issues disproportionately affecting vulnerable and disadvantaged groups.
“These include the growing incidence of Gender-Based Violence (GBV), communal conflicts, forced displacement, land acquisition disputes, and substandard labour conditions—all of which pose significant social risks and impacts,” she said.
“These social deficiencies have long undermined development in affected communities, resulting in psychological, physical, social, and economic setbacks for individuals and households.”
Capacity Building and Global Certification
The Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening institutional capacity in Procurement, Environmental, and Social (PES) standards.
She said the training is part of a broader effort to develop academic and certification programmes to ensure that Nigerian professionals in the social development, procurement, and environment sectors meet global standards.
“The training, organised through the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi (FUAM), includes short executive courses (Track A) and knowledge of the World Bank’s Environmental and Social Framework (ESF).
“Participants who complete the programme will be certified as Social Standards Professionals, ready to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s development priorities,” she added.
Stakeholders Reaffirm Commitment
Also speaking at the event, Dr Joshua Attah, SPESSE Project Coordinator, represented by Mr Peter Tobrise, Project Management Officer at the National Universities Commission (NUC), highlighted the importance of the training in equipping government personnel to tackle real-world social challenges.
“This training will broaden your perspectives and equip you with practical tools to improve social safeguards,” he said.
He stressed that the long-term success of the SPESSE project rests on the commitment of both the participants and the implementing institutions.