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The Sustainability Professionals Institute of Nigeria (SPIN) has urged the National Assembly to fast-track the passage of a bill seeking to establish the Chartered Sustainability Professional Institute of Nigeria, describing the proposed legislation as crucial to regulating sustainability practice and positioning Nigeria to meet global Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) standards.
Speaking at a public hearing organised by the House of Representatives Committee on Commerce in Abuja on Monday, SPIN Vice President, Dr. Ini Abimbola, said the bill would close existing regulatory gaps by setting professional standards for competence, ethics and accountability.
She noted that while the Climate Change Act, 2021 mandates organisations with 50 or more employees to appoint climate change or sustainability officers and submit annual reports to the National Council on Climate Change, it does not prescribe the qualifications required for those roles.
“The law created the position, but it never defined who is qualified to hold it. Right now in Nigeria, there is no law preventing anybody from calling themselves a sustainability expert. There is no minimum competence, no enforceable code of ethics, no professional register and no disciplinary mechanism,” she said.
Abimbola explained that the absence of a regulatory framework makes it difficult for businesses, investors and government institutions to distinguish qualified professionals from unqualified practitioners.
According to her, the proposed institute would establish a register of certified sustainability professionals, set competency standards, enforce ethical conduct and provide disciplinary measures where necessary.
“This bill does not stop anyone from caring about the environment, and it does not create a monopoly on sustainability practice. What it does is create a register, a competency threshold, a binding code of conduct and a disciplinary mechanism—the same framework that already exists for professions such as law, engineering and accountancy,” she said.
She stressed that the legislation has become even more imperative as Nigeria prepares to implement mandatory sustainability reporting in line with the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) framework.
Abimbola recalled that Nigeria became the first African country to adopt the ISSB standards announced at COP27, with mandatory sustainability disclosures expected to become part of audited financial statements from 2028.
“From 2028, sustainability information will sit inside audited reports. It will carry greater weight, influence investment decisions and be signed by company directors. We must ensure that the professionals producing those reports are competent, accountable and properly regulated,” she added.
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She warned that failure to regulate the profession could undermine investor confidence, encourage greenwashing and weaken the credibility of Nigeria’s sustainability disclosures in the global marketplace.
Abimbola further noted that countries such as the United Kingdom and the United States already operate recognised professional certification systems for sustainability practitioners, while international organisations, including the Global Reporting Initiative, certify sustainability reporting professionals.
Earlier, sponsor of the bill and member representing Lagos Island Federal Constituency, Hon. Kayo Akiolu, said the proposed legislation would provide the legal framework needed to professionalise sustainability practice in Nigeria and align the country with international best practices.
“Sustainability means meeting the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Countries such as Spain, the United Kingdom, the United States and Costa Rica have already established institutions to drive sustainability. Nigeria cannot afford to be left behind,” Akiolu said.
He observed that Nigeria continues to grapple with environmental challenges such as deforestation, desertification, erosion, flooding, pollution and climate change, all of which threaten food security, public health, economic productivity and national stability.
According to the lawmaker, the proposed institute would promote professional excellence, strengthen environmental governance, support government policies and attract responsible investment into Nigeria’s growing green economy.
“Access to climate finance, carbon markets and green investment increasingly depends on credible sustainability systems and qualified professionals. This bill will help Nigeria build that credibility while creating opportunities in the emerging green economy,” he said.
Chairman of the House Committee on Commerce, Hon. Ahmed Munir, who represents Lere Federal Constituency of Kaduna State, commended the sponsor of the bill and welcomed stakeholders’ contributions during the public hearing.
He described the proposed legislation as a significant initiative that would strengthen sustainability practice, promote environmental stewardship and boost investor confidence, assuring stakeholders that the committee would give the bill the necessary legislative attention.
Stakeholders at the hearing unanimously backed the proposed legislation and urged the National Assembly to expedite its passage ahead of the implementation of mandatory sustainability reporting in 2028.
