HISTORY OF THE IEPN ACT 2023
In 1999 Nigerian Environmental Society (NES), initiated the processes of a Bill to regulate environmental practices in Nigeria but it yielded no much result. In 2003,Shell Oil Company first presented this Bi11 to the Senate as a bill to establish the Chartered Institute of Environmental Practitioners of Nigeria, and it was opposed. Later on, during the 4th National Assembly between 2001-2003,during the tenure of Prof. Babajide I.Alo, as the National President Nigerian Environmental Society (NES) coordinated by the 2rd National Vice President-Dr. Uche Agbanusi, the NIEP Bill was represented by NES as the Nigerian Institute of Environmental Practitioners (NIEP Bill), and sponsored by late Senator Soala Ibiapuye Martyns-Yellowve,representing Rivers West Senatorial district from Rivers State. The NIEP Bill went through the first, and second readings, including a public hearing and it scaled through, and it was Drafted for passed by the National Assembly (NASS) to the Presidency for assent. But, unfortunately, the tenure of that Assembly elapsed, and the NIEP Bill could NOT reach the Presidency for assent. Unfortunately, during the 5th National Assembly, when the Late Professor Ethelbert B. Dede was the National President – NES, from 2003 to 2007, NES did NOT present or represent the NIEP Bill to the National Assembly.
The 6th National Assembly was inaugurated on the 5th day of June 2007. This was during the tenure of Dr. Uchechukwu Jonathan Agbanusi, as National President-NES (2007-2011). The NIEP Bill was once represented to the NASS, despite the spirited efforts by the NES to see the Bill through the National Assembly, there were oppositions until the 6th NASS session elapsed.
Then, at the inception of the 7th National Assembly during the tenure of Engineer Olu Andah Wai-Ogosu as National President NES (2011 to 2015), the efforts to get the NIEP Bill through the NASS Was rekindled. It was sponsored by Hon.Ogundu Kingsley Chinda, representing Obio/Akpor Federal Constituency of Rivers State. Again, the NIEP Bill did not scale through the NASS during the 7th National Assembly and the session elapsed.
The mantle of leadership in NES shifted to Professor Lawrence I. Ezemonye, as National President-NES (2015 to 2019). He started consultative engagements with the Hon. Ministers (Amina J. Mohammed now Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations and Ibrahim Usman Jibril CON now Emir of Nasarawa Emirate) of the Federal Ministry of Environment, the National Assembly and other stakeholders in the environment sector. He nominated Dr.Efegbidiki Okobia FCT Chapter Chairman at the time to coordinate the process.There was also an attempt by the past WAMASON President Arc. Reuben Ossai in the presentation of the Bill for the Institute of Certified Waste Managers (ICWM) at the National Assembly during the 6th Assembly. There were consultative sessions during which Nigerian Environmental Society and Waste Management Society of Nigeria(WAMASON)during the leadership of Prof. Oladele Osibanjo. NES/WAMASON then agreed to come together and sponsor the NIEP Bill, and one of such meeting was held on June 19,2017.
At Renaissance hotel now Radisson Blu hotel in Ikeja, Lagos. It was organized by NES/WAMASSON to engage members of parliament of the 8th National Assembly in discussions regarding the Nigerian Institute of environmental practitioner (NEIP) Bill. The aim was to deepen understanding of the justification and necessity of enacting the NEIP Bill, which seek to establish the Institute of Environmental Practitioners of Nigeria and address related matters. It was in the meeting that the name was change to “the bill to provide for the establishment of Institute of Environmental Practitioners of Nigeria and related matters.” it was decided the IEPN Bill should include provisions for the accommodation or admission of other credible associations as affiliate member bodies, ensuring inclusivity and diversity in the institute`s governance structure. The IEPN bill was sponsored by Hon. Obinna Chidoka , Chairman house of representatives committee on environment and habitat, supported by Senator Oluremi Tinubu Chairperson Senate committee on environment. The IEPN bill went through the presidency. But assent was declined, and the NASS session elapsed.
However, the need to ensure that the Environmental Practitioners are regulated and standards are maintained persisted by NES/WAMASSON. The leadership of NES/WAMASSON during the tenure of Prof. Oladele Osibanjo WAMASON President and Dr. Dorothy Bassey from 2019-2021, as National president- NES sponsored the IEPN bill and nominated Dr. Efegbidki Okobia then 2nd national vice president- NES to chair the committe on the iepn bill. The bill was sponsored by Hon. Livinus Makwe in 2019 and it went through the NASS and was transmitted to the presidency for assent. Again, assent was declined and the NASS Session elapsed.
Nevertheless, the efforts of NES/WAMASSON were overtly sustained during the tenure of Chief Akpabio Essien AmbGw, JP the WAMASON president, and the IEPN bill was presented to the 9th National Assembly in November 2022, when the MANTLE of leadership shifted to Dr. Efegbidki Lympson Okobia, as National President of NES, and he determined to get assent to the IEPN bill by presidency with the support of the NES caretaker transition committee chairman Mr Victor Imevbore and others. He had series of engagements and discussions on the importance of IEPN bill and its relevance to the Nigerian Environment and Complementary Services to the Federal Ministry of Environment, its department and agencies. The IEPN bill was presented to NASS in year 2022 and sponsored by Hon. Livinus Makwe. The IEPN Bill 2022 went through the NASS and was transmitted twice during this period because of objections to certain use of words but was eventually assented to by former President Muhammad Buhari GCFR, on the 26th day of May 2023.
The Institute of Environmental Practitioners of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2023 now act as thus taken about 24 years to make. It has been a long and arduous journey to this point. We want to sincerely thank everyone who made contribution to the passage of the IEPN (Establishment) act 2023. The future of the Nation`s Environment Sector lies with every Nigerian.
OUR MISSION
To foster a community of environmental practitioners dedicated to integrity, excellence, advocacy, education and transdisciplinary collaboration for a healthy environment.
Vision
To lead environmental stewardship in Nigeria, driving policy innovation, practitioner excellence, and sustainable development for a resilient environment.
Core Values
SPICIT
- Sustainability
- Professional Integrity
- Inclusion
- Collaboration
- Innovation
- Transparency
Get Involved
Ready to make a difference? Discover how you can get involved with IEPN and contribute to our mission. Whether through volunteering, participating in events, or becoming a member, there are countless ways to join us in our efforts to build a more sustainable future