A lecturer at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Prof James Akanmu, has challenged professional engineers to prioritise compliance with rules guiding project planning and execution for environmental safety and sustainability.
He also encouraged engineers to adopt environmental and social safeguards or policies in projects to guarantee a sustainable future.
Speaking on the theme: “Environmental and Social Framework in Project Management” at a webinar organised by the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Ikeja branch led by Nimot Muili, Akanmu emphasised that major projects require environmental safety and social framework, especially the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) before the projects are awarded or commenced.
Akanmu, who is the Director of UNILAG-Sustainable Procurement, Environmental and Social Standards Enhancement (UNILAG-SPESSCE), provided insights on the applications of the Environmental and Social Framework (ESF). He said the framework protects people and the environment in projects and ensures sustainable and responsible execution.
He advised engineers to familiarise themselves with the core principles of ESF in project management and best practices for integrating environmental and social considerations.
“The Lagos Calabar Coastal road project comes to mind in this regard. Many will recall some of the troubles that came up when the project was about to start with stakeholders. Several times, the Minister of Works came to Lagos and was at the site to address issues because it is the basic things that opt to take place before the project commences or the contract is awarded. As engineers, we must be conscious of this,” he said.
He urged professionals to understudy the Environmental and Social Framework of the World Bank because there are rules that guide projects, locally and internationally, as well as guarantee that professionals should do better. He charged experts to apply the rules to become better professionals.
Akanmu said the objectives of ESF are to halt pollution, adopt green technologies, integrate environmental and social considerations into project planning and execution, ensure sustainability and compliance with regulations and enhance stakeholders’ engagement and risk management.
According to him, practitioners must also be conscious of environmental standards and guidelines for projects designed by national environmental regulatory bodies such as the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) and others.
However, Akanmu advised engineers to develop positive attitudes in searching for solutions to problems and consistently develop their skills, as knowledge and ability to use it effectively is power.
