Otamere Gladness 
ABUJA, Nigeria – The World Bank commends the launch of professional certification examinations under Nigeria’s SPESSE Project, stressing that credibility, transparency and strong verification systems are critical to long-term success.
The endorsement comes during the Implementation Support Mission for the Sustainable Procurement, Environmental and Social Standards Enhancement (SPESSE) Project, held between November and December 2025.
World Bank Task Team Leader Ishtiak Siddiqe describes the certification exams under the Environmental Node as a key transition from classroom training to globally recognised professional accreditation.
“Success will not be measured by the number of certificates issued, but by the strength of the systems behind them,” Siddiqe says, urging strict alignment with verification standards to protect the credibility of the programme.
Hosted by the Federal Ministry of Environment, Director of Environmental Assessment Rofikat Odetoro reaffirms government commitment to open, durable and trustworthy certification frameworks embedded within national institutions.
Project Coordinator Hussain Shittu says digital platforms, comprehensive records and audit trails are already in place to ensure transparency and independent verification.
The World Bank also urges stronger links between SPESSE outcomes and broader development goals, recommending priority deployment of certified professionals on Bank-funded projects as talks on additional financing continue.
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