The National Universities Commission (NUC) has confirmed that at least 24,000 Nigerians will benefit from a new $65 million funding phase under the World Bank-supported Sustainable Procurement, Environmental and Social Standards Enhancement (SPESSE) project. The performance contracts for this additional financing were signed on Wednesday in Abuja during a formal ceremony attended by key stakeholders, as reported by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
The SPESSE project is a World Bank-backed initiative designed to strengthen Nigeria’s institutional and human capacity in procurement, environmental management, and social standards across both the public and private sectors. Abdullahi Ribadu, Executive Secretary of the NUC, stated that this additional funding phase aims to build on the gains achieved under the initial $80 million SPESSE programme launched in 2021. He explained that the initiative was introduced to address the shortage of skilled professionals in critical governance and development sectors, particularly in procurement processes, environmental management, and social safeguards.
Ribadu noted that three of the six project centres have already commenced PhD programmes, with the remaining centres expected to begin similar programmes by July 2026. Under the new funding phase, the commission aims to produce at least 60 PhD graduates, attract 60 foreign students, facilitate staff internships, and expand student exchange programmes with international institutions. Adebowale Adedokun, Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), added that the SPESSE initiative has already trained more than 2,700 officers from both the public and private sectors to strengthen procurement standards and competence nationwide.
Adedokun said the next phase of the programme will support the implementation of Nigeria’s electronic procurement system and expand online training opportunities for policymakers and small businesses involved in managing public funds. He noted that the fresh funding will focus heavily on strengthening the capacities of federal, state, and local government institutions to improve development outcomes across the country. This latest financing builds on the success of the initial $80 million SPESSE project, which became operational in 2021. In July last year, reports indicated that the World Bank approved an additional $65 million credit facility for Nigeria under the SPESSE initiative, raising the project’s total funding.
In related developments, institutions like Nile University Nigeria continue to play a role in advancing higher education and research capacity. Meanwhile, Presco Plc posts strong performance in the agricultural sector, reflecting broader economic trends. The federal government also remains active in policy implementation, as the Fg inaugurates committees to oversee key reforms. Additionally, Emtl allocations jump as energy sector investments grow, while Meta acquires AI startup Manus to bolster its technology portfolio. These developments underscore the dynamic landscape in which Nigeria’s capacity-building efforts are taking place.
