Procurement professionals across the country have been urged to embrace global best practices as part of efforts to secure a sustainable future for generations to come.

The charge was delivered by various speakers at the opening of a five-day International Conference on Sustainable Procurement, Environmental and Social Standards, which began yesterday in Lagos. The event, themed “Enhancing Sustainable Development Impact through Procurement, Environmental and Social Standards,” is organised by the Sustainable Procurement, Environment and Social Standard Centre of Excellence (SPESSCE), University of Lagos.

The conference has drawn participants from federal and state ministries and agencies, development partners, donor organisations, procurement experts, project managers, academics, and research institutions.

In his remarks, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Management Services), Prof. Muyiwa Falaiye, explained that the gathering aims to highlight the critical role of responsible procurement, environmental stewardship, and social inclusion. He noted that procurement is often misunderstood as merely selecting contractors, whereas it is tied to national stability through transparency, accountability, and long-term planning.

According to him, the conference serves as a reminder of the need for due process—choosing competent contractors, protecting the environment, and planning with future generations in mind. “We hope that by the end of this conference, we will all be better prepared to safeguard the interests of those coming after us,” he said.

Also speaking, the National Coordinator of the SPESSCE project, Dr. Joshua Atah, emphasised that procurement decisions carry significant environmental and social implications. He stressed that these considerations must be integrated holistically into the planning of every project and programme nationwide.

Atah added that the conference theme was carefully chosen to expand participants’ understanding of environmental and social standards and their influence on national development. He noted that the event seeks to raise awareness and encourage practitioners to professionalise—improving their expertise and obtaining the proper certifications and licences required in these fields.

The Director General of the Bureau of Public Procurement, Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, highlighted the global shift from traditional procurement methods to sustainable procurement. This modern approach, he explained, incorporates environmental protection, climate concerns, and social well-being into procurement processes.

He said the conference aims to expose participants to global best practices, helping Nigeria upgrade its systems and documentation to meet international standards and enhance the nation’s credibility.

Similarly, the Director of UNILAG SPESSCE, Prof. James Akanmu, called on attendees to prioritise environmental and social considerations in all aspects of national development.