The inauguration of the Technical Working Group (TWG) for the Social Standards Node of the SPESSE project marked a significant development in the implementation of the project’s goals. Held on the 3rd and 4th of July 2023 at Sawalino Hotel in Keffi, Nasarawa State, the inaugural retreat brought together representatives from key stakeholders, including the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs (FMWA), the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment (FML&E), and Lands Department of the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing (FMW&H).
The retreat was an important occasion for introducing the newly constituted TWG members to their roles and responsibilities in overseeing the Social Standards component of the SPESSE project. During the retreat, TWG members were provided with an in-depth understanding of the project’s objectives, with a particular focus on its social standards, which aim to foster sustainable procurement practices, enhance environmental protection, and promote social accountability.
The retreat saw the official inauguration of the TWG members, who were briefed on their duties as outlined in the project’s Terms of Reference (ToR). This included updates on the project’s progress and the critical role the TWG will play in ensuring the success of the Social Standards Node. Notably, one of the retreat’s key achievements was the adoption of a draft certification framework, which will serve as a benchmark for measuring the professional competency of individuals involved in the social standards field.
Another important outcome of the retreat was the establishment of a Steering Committee, aimed at enhancing coordination and fostering synergy across the various stakeholders involved in the project. Prof. Mohammed Bashar Nuhu of Federal University of Technology Minna, was appointed as the chairman of the committee, with a mandate to oversee the collaboration efforts within the project.