Tolu Aiyegbusi
Social development experts have commended the Federal Government and the World Bank for taking major steps to formalise the certification framework for social standards practice in Nigeria.
They made the commendation at the second regular board meeting of the Nigerian Social Standards Practice Certification Programme (NSSPCP) which held in Abuja during which the formalisation was carried out.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the certification was under the auspices of the Social Standards Node under the World Bank‑funded Sustainable Procurement, Environmental and Social Standards Enhancement (SPESSE) Project.
Experts say social standards refer to the accepted norms, expectations and behaviours that govern social interactions and relationships within a society or community.
Speaking at the opening session, Prof. Muhammad Nuhu, Chairman of the Certification Board, said the formalisation marked a critical transition from informal practices to a structured, regulated system.
He said the programme requirements aligned with both local realities and international best practices.
“For too long, social safeguards were treated as an afterthought, leading to project delays, community conflicts, and avoidable costs.
“By formalising this certification, we are saying clearly that only trained and certified experts can manage these critical aspects of development.
“With over 1,000 already certified and 700 more joining today, we are building a workforce that ensures that progress does not come at the expense of people’s rights,” he said.
Speaking at the opening session, Mr Bemjamin Okwesa, Administrative Secretary and Project Coordinator, said that the NSSPCP was established to bridge a long‑standing gap in the country’s project execution.
“We are moving from treating social and environmental standards as optional formalities to making them a requirement for quality project delivery.
“This certification will ensure that only competent professionals handle sensitive aspects of development work,’’ he said.
He said that the initiative laid a solid foundation for a skilled workforce.
“Since its launch, the initiative has recorded impressive progress as no fewer than 2,000 Nigerians have been fully certified.
“Over 40,000 participants have graduated from various training and orientation courses,’’ he said.
Okwesa explained that the meeting would conclude with a clear roadmap to expand training across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
“Having reached over 1,700 certified practitioners we are now building systems to keep their skills current and ensure quality remains consistent.
“This is more than a certificate; it is a mark of responsibility and professionalism,” he said.
He said plans had been finalised for the official convocation and induction ceremony of all certified professionals.
“We have come a long way, but this is just the beginning. Our focus now shifts to maintaining standards, expanding access, and ensuring this profession becomes a cornerstone of responsible development in Nigeria,” he said.
Mr Isibor Abdulsalami, who represented the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, said that the formal structure would strengthen inclusion.
He said that gender equity and social inclusion were embedded in every module and emphasised that the new framework ensured that no community was left behind.
“This certification guarantees that women, youth, and vulnerable groups are not left behind. It ensures their voices are heard, their rights are protected, and that development truly benefits everyone.’’
“Having reached over 1,700 certified practitioners, we are now building systems to keep their skills current and ensure quality remains consistent.
“This is more than a certificate; it is a mark of responsibility and professionalism.”
“` This initiative trains, certifies, and monitors practitioners to ensure every work done is safe, fair, and sustainable,” he said.
Mr Emmanuel Igbinasun, Director of Productivity Measurement and Labour Standards, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, said the qualification was important for social safeguard in government and donor‑funded projects.
“Formalising this framework means we now have a clear benchmark for competence. It builds trust among communities, investors, and regulators and raises the quality of development delivery nationwide.’’
“These professionals are trained to make sure development brings benefits not harm. With this certification, we guarantee that projects respect people’s rights, reduce conflicts and deliver lasting value,” he said. (NAN)
TOLU/PAO/KUA
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Edited by Uche Anunne