From George Onyejiuwa, Owerri
The immediate past Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Prof Francis Eze, has said that the pursuit of economic growth should never be at the expense of human dignity and social justice.
Prof Eze stated this at the maiden international conference on procurement, environmental and social standards organised by the Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Procurement, Environmental and Social Standards (CE-s PESS) of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, with the theme, “Procurement, Environmental and Social Standards – Key to Sustainable Livelihood in the 21st Century.”
In his key note address, Unlocking Sustainable Livelihoods in the 21st Century, Prof Eze said: “The pursuit of economic growth should never come at the expense of human dignity or social justice. Procurement decisions have a profound implication for Labour rights, community wellbeing and equitable access to opportunities. Incorporating social standards into procurement processes means actively seeking suppliers who demonstrate fair labour practices, respect for human rights, and committment to community engagement.
He said that environmental standards are a vital aspect of sustainability, ensuring the long-term health and resilience of our planet, adding, “Procurement professionals and all chief executives of organisations have a responsibility to minimize ecological footprints. It is crucial to recognise the interconnectedness of procurement, environmental and social standards. Sustainable livelihoods depend on the delicate balance between these three pillars.”
Similarly, the Acting Vice Chancellor of Imo State University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Umuagwo, Prof C Eze, who spoke on Sustainable Social Development – A Paradigm Shift, pointed out that any efficient procurement process must take into account sustainable social development of the people and consider the environment. “We must consider the environment, the people and create jobs in our procurement process and stricter regulations to save the environment for future generations.”
Also, Prof Nzeadibe Chidi of the Environmental Sustainability and Management of University of Nigeria, Nsukka, said for effective and efficient procurement process that the stakeholders for projects must be identify.
“If the communities are part of the projects that the implementation will be efficient. Community perception should be determined, the government engagement is necessary, cultural diversity and participatory is important”
Dr Aminu Dodo of Najran University, Saudi Arabia, called on the Federal Government to make more committment in the building of more greenhouses in Nigeria as a way of promoting good environment and fight climate change, noting only 30 green buildings have been built despite the establishment of the Green Building Commission.
Earlier in her remarks, the Vice Chancellor, Prof Nnenna Otti, described conference as an intellectual harvest, and commended the Director, Centre for Excellence, Prof Gloria Chukwudebe for organising the maiden international conference.
Director of the centre, Prof Gloria Chukwudebe, noted that the centre was established in 2019 as part of the SPESSE Project, designed to integrate procurement, environmental and social standards’ professionalization within the Nigeria public and private sectors to enhance sustainable development and value for money in all government projects and processes.