In a strategic move to strengthen institutional capacity and enhance service delivery across Nigeria’s social development sector, the Federal Government has commenced a capacity building workshop for staff of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and its implementing partners under the Social Standards Node of the Sustainable Procurement, Environmental and Social Standards Enhancement (SPESSE) Project.
The weeklong training, which kicked off at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) Centre in Abuja, is aimed at equipping stakeholders with advanced knowledge aligned with the World Bank’s Environmental and Social Framework (ESF).
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The workshop is being held in collaboration with the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi (FUAM), the designated Centre of Excellence anchoring the Social Standards Node of the SPESSE Project.
Declaring the workshop open on behalf of the Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, the Project Coordinator, Mr. Benjamin Okwesa, emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to building the capacity of its workforce and that of its partners in addressing key social risks.
“This training is part of our ongoing commitment to social protection and institutional development, particularly in response to challenges such as gender-based violence (GBV), displacement, communal conflict, land acquisition disputes, and poor labour conditions,” he said.
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According to the Minister, the workshop serves as a critical step toward addressing complex socio-economic issues that undermine community well-being and economic growth. She noted that the Ministry, in partnership with the Ministries of Labour and Employment, and Housing and Urban Development, is fully committed to the successful implementation of SPESSE goals.
Hajiya Imaan also reiterated the objectives of the SPESSE Project, which include the professionalization and certification of practitioners in the fields of Procurement, Environmental, and Social Standards. She praised the development of the SPESSE Certification Portal, encouraging participants to embrace online certification for increased flexibility and global competitiveness.
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“In today’s digital era, online learning is no longer optional. It is a necessity that ensures inclusive, accessible, and up-to-date training for sustainable national development,” she stated.
The Minister called on all stakeholders, including the National Universities Commission (NUC), the Centres of Excellence, and implementing agencies, to remain committed to fulfilling the project’s Environmental and Social Commitment Plan (ESCP).
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She further encouraged participants to make the most of the opportunity by engaging actively, sharing ideas, and applying their new knowledge to drive institutional change.
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“This workshop is more than a learning exercise. It is an empowerment platform that positions you to become agents of transformation in your communities and organizations,” she concluded.
The event was widely applauded by participants and development partners, who described the initiative as timely and vital for advancing Nigeria’s social development agenda. The World Bank was also commended for its continued support toward the country’s institutional strengthening efforts.