The Federal Government, in collaboration with the World Bank, has officially launched a new $65 million funding phase of the Sustainable Procurement, Environmental and Social Standards Enhancement (SPESSE) project. This initiative is expected to benefit more than 24,000 Nigerians by providing professional training and strengthening institutional capacity.
Coordinated by the National Universities Commission (NUC), the project aims to improve procurement systems, environmental management, and social standards across both public and private institutions. It also seeks to promote transparency, accountability, and sustainable development practices throughout the country.
NUC Executive Secretary Announces Launch
Abdullahi Ribadu, the Executive Secretary of the NUC, made the announcement in Abuja during the signing of performance contracts for the additional SPESSE financing. He stated that this new phase builds on the achievements of the initial $80 million SPESSE project, which began in 2021.
According to Ribadu, the programme has already significantly improved institutional frameworks and developed professional expertise in key governance sectors. It was introduced to address the shortage of qualified professionals in procurement, environmental management, and social standards within public and private institutions.
Ribadu explained: "With the support of the World Bank and under the coordination of the NUC, six centres of excellence were established across the six geopolitical zones to provide sustainable capacity building in these critical sectors."
The participating universities were selected through a transparent and competitive process based on institutional readiness, quality assurance, and sustainability. These institutions have continued to produce skilled manpower capable of advancing transparency, environmental responsibility, and inclusive national development.
Key Achievements and Targets
The NUC boss described the contract signing ceremony as a renewed commitment to accountability, sustainability, and institutional excellence. He noted that the centres have recorded major achievements, including the introduction of specialised academic programmes ranging from short courses to undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
Ribadu further disclosed that three of the six centres have already commenced Ph.D. programmes, with the remaining centres expected to begin by July 2026. Under the new funding phase, the Commission targets at least 60 Ph.D. graduates, enrolment of 60 foreign students, staff internships, and expanded student exchange programmes with international institutions.
BPP Director-General Highlights Training Progress
The Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Adebowale Adedokun, stated that the project has so far trained more than 2,700 officers from both the public and private sectors to improve procurement competence nationwide. He added that the next phase would support the rollout of Nigeria's electronic procurement system and expand online capacity-building programmes for policymakers and small and medium-scale enterprises involved in managing public funds.
World Bank Task Team Leader Provides Statistics
Ishtiak Siddique, the World Bank Task Team Leader for SPESSE, revealed that more than 40,000 participants have benefited from training under the original project, with over 4,000 certified in procurement, environmental, and social standards.
University of Lagos Vice-Chancellor Reaffirms Commitment
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, reaffirmed the institution's commitment to advancing professional capacity development under the SPESSE framework through postgraduate training, institutional ownership, and international collaborations.
