The Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Abbas Lawal, has launched the Environmental Standards Certification Scheme, a transformative step to strengthen environmental practice and engender a more 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.
Speaking further, he described the launch “as the first of its kind in Sub-Saharan Africa, this certification scheme is uniquely arranged to offer suitable consultants the requisite knowledge to develop the acquired digital skills for the portal.
The ministry has the manpower to address any setbacks that may arise from the operation of the portal, our dedicated team supported by the National Project Coordinating Office domiciled at the National Universities Commission(NUC) worked relentlessly to ensure that today, we can unveil 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
“The seamless integration of this advanced Learning Management System, secure examination platform, and automated certification issuance will undoubtedly ensure efficiency and credibility.” he added
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.
In her welcome address, the Director,Environmental Assessment Department in the Ministry, Mrs. Rofikat Odetoro, said the project is committed to building capacity across the entire spheres of all the aspects of the environment management.
She also implored that everybody should key in to the platform as it is poised to reduce unemployment in the country.
“The certification programme has been launched today and is to eliminate quacks and enhance performance, professionalism and also to enhance global competitiveness because it’s a world class certification scheme.” she said
According to her, with the certification, you can practice globally and work remotely from Nigeria, thereby addressing the issues of unemployment that is being addressed under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration.
Mr. Ahmed Chinada Abdullahi, an environmental specialist, World Bank who represented the Task Team Leader of the Bank, Mr. Ishtiak in his goodwill message noted that the Nigeria Sustainable Procurement, Environment and Social Standards Enhancement (SPESSE) is an initiative they supported with IDA comittment of USD 80 million to build sustainable capacity in procurement, environment and social Standards in Nigeria.
World 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, In his goodwill message, the Representative of UNIDO, Mr. Yomi Banjo, said the launch of the Environmental Standards Certification Scheme, (ESCS), is a major turnaround and groundbreaking milestone in the journey of strengthening Nigeria’s environmental governance, professional competence and sustainable development frameworks.
He further reteirated that the project is a clear testament to the country’s commitment to sustainable development and responsible environmental stewardship.
Banjo stated further that UNIDO will continue to support the Government of Nigeria in promoting initiatives that foster green growth, build technical capacities, and advance environmental sustainability.
“We trust that the ESCS will serve as a catalyst for improved environmental performance across sectors, spur innovation, and create new opportunities for Nigerian professionals.”
“It is a landmark achievement that reinforces Nigeria’s commitment to embedding environmental sustainability, procurement excellence, and social responsibility across both the public and private sectors.” He said.
The Project Cordinator of SPESSE in the Ministry of Environment, Mr Shittu Hussain, said the main objective of the certification is to ensure that procurement, environment and social issues follow the standardised approach of execution on a professional manner towards a sustainable environment.
He stated that the Environmental Standards Certification Scheme is a pioneering initiative under the Sustainable Procurement, Environmental & Social Standards Enhancement (SPESSE) Project, supported by the World Bank.
He added that in the environment sector, there are a lot of practitioners and consultants.
These consultants are the ones that go to the field, get the jobs, and come to the Ministry or the agencies for certification.
Ibrahim Haruna
Director, Information
30th April 2025
