By Juliet Ukanwosu
The Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Lawal, has launched the Environmental Standards Certification Scheme, a transformative step to strengthen environmental practice and engender greener and sustainable ecosystem.
The Environmental Standards Certification Scheme (ESCS), is designed in a four-tier framework; Foundation, Intermediate, Associate, and Specialist levels to assure a progressive and structured approach to competency development.
The Minister, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mahmud Adam Kambari at the launch, stressed that the initiative underscores Nigeria’s commitment to repositioning and strengthening environmental sustainability while ensuring compliance with global best practices.
Describing the launch as the first of its kind in Sub-Saharan Africa, he said, “this certification scheme is uniquely arranged to offer suitable consultants the requisite knowledge to develop the acquired digital skills for the portal.”
He explained that the ministry has the manpower to address any setbacks that may arise from the operation of the portal, noting that its team, supported by the National Project Coordinating Office domiciled at the National Universities Commission(NUC) worked relentlessly to ensure the unveiling of a robust, structured certification system that will set a new standard for environmental governance in Nigeria.
Lawal explained that the project was conceived to enhance capacity-building in procurement, environmental, and social standards towards equipping professionals across sectors with the necessary skills to meet international benchmarks for the environment sector.
“The online certification portal, which is now live, has been carefully designed and structured to streamline access to self-paced training on the Learning Management System, including examinations and certifications, making professional development more accessible and transparent.” He added
He expressed optimism that the seamless integration of this advanced Learning Management System, secure examination platform, and automated certification issuance will undoubtedly ensure efficiency and credibility.
The Minister further stated that the scheme will provide a strategic platform for continuous professional development and serves as a catalyst for national and regional capacity-building.
The World Bank representative at the forum, Mr. Ahmed Chinada Abdullahi, who represented the Task Team Leader of the Bank, noted that the Nigeria Sustainable Procurement, Environment and Social Standards Enhancement (SPESSE) was supported with IDA commitment of USD80 million to build sustainable capacity in procurement, environment and social Standards in Nigeria.
The Bank further urged environmental professional to take full advantage of the opportunities provided by the certification programmes to enhance their skills and contribute to Nigeria sustainable development in environmental standards
Also speaking, the Representative of UNIDO, Mr. Yomi Banjo, described the launch of the Environmental Standards Certification Scheme, (ESCS), as a major turnaround and groundbreaking milestone in the journey of strengthening Nigeria’s environmental governance, professional competence and sustainable development frameworks.
He reiterated that the project is a clear testament to the country’s commitment to sustainable development and responsible environmental stewardship, adding that UNIDO will continue to support the Government of Nigeria in promoting initiatives that foster green growth, build technical capacities, and advance environmental sustainability.
The Project Coordinator of SPESSE in the Ministry of Environment, Mr. Shittu Hussain, explained that the main objective of the certification is to ensure that procurement, environment and social issues follow the standardized approach of execution on a professional manner towards a sustainable environment.