Tolu Aiyegbusi
The Nigerian Social Standards Practice Certification Programme (NSSPCP) says it is focused on advancing the nation’s social standards certification framework and strengthening its operations.
This was part of the decisions reached at the Second Regular Board Meeting of the Nigerian Social Standards Practice Certification Programme (NSSPCP) on Thursday in Abuja.
Mr Benjamin Okwesa, Administrative Secretary and Project Coordinator, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the NSSPCP was established to bridge a long‑standing gap in the country’s projects execution.
The programme was under the World Bank‑funded Sustainable Procurement, Environmental and Social Standards Enhancement (SPESSE) Project.
“The meeting began with a review of candidate’s performance and the formal approval of certificates for additional 700 participants who successfully completed the training under the SPESSE Project’s Social Standards Node.
“This brings the number of fully certified to almost 2,000 professionals since its launch,’’ he told NAN.
He said the board also reviewed and agreed to restructure the programme’s administrative secretariat to align with World Bank recommendations.
Prof. Muhammad Nuhu, the chairman of the board, said that decisions taken translated directly to economic and social progress.
“ Having 40,000 trained minds and about 2,000 certified experts mean fewer project delays, less conflict, better protection for vulnerable groups, and greater trust between communities, government, and investors.
“The second regular board meeting of the NSSPCP focused on advancing the certification framework and strengthening its operations,” he said.
Nuhu said the meeting was designed to make Nigeria’s development projects more inclusive, peaceful, and sustainable, and has also reached a major milestone, as NSSPCP has trained over 40,000 Nigerians.
“ This is how we build development that works for everyone,” he said.
A social development consultant at the World Bank, Dr Tosin Oso, told NAN that the framework of the initiative positioned Nigeria to attract more responsible investment and meet global best practices.
“When projects respect people’s rights and follow clear rules, they cost less, finish faster, and deliver lasting benefits.
“This programme is turning social standards from a requirement into a national strength,” he said.
According to him, with the resolutions now adopted, the NSSPCP is set to expand its reach across all six geopolitical zones.
“ We will ensure that qualified professionals are available for every government‑led and donor‑funded project in the country,” he told NAN. (NAN) www.nannews.ng
Edited by Uche Anunne
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