The Sustainability Professionals Institute of Nigeria (SPIN) has inducted 96 new members at its 2025 cohort induction ceremony, marking a significant growth milestone for the professional body as it positions itself to play a more prominent role in Nigeria’s development journey through sustainable practices.
The induction ceremony, which held at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, attracted stakeholders from across the sustainability, governance, and investment sectors. The event further cemented SPIN’s standing as Nigeria’s foremost institution dedicated to shaping and supporting sustainability professionals across public and private sectors.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Louis Meuleman, a leading expert in sustainability and public administration, presented a paper titled “The Future of Sustainability in a Volatile Global System: Implications for Africa.” He spoke extensively on the need for context-specific sustainability models and decentralised governance. Dr. Meuleman urged the new inductees to develop locally adaptable strategies that consider African realities while remaining globally relevant.
He noted that the world is currently facing turbulence in governance systems, environmental concerns, and socio-economic inequality. To respond effectively, he stressed that Africa needs professionals who can lead with authenticity, local knowledge, and a commitment to inclusive growth. He challenged the new members to see their induction as a call to action and responsibility.
SPIN Vice President, Ini Abimbola, also spoke at the event, celebrating the growth of the Institute. “Today we induct 96 professionals into our institute, our largest cohort yet. This brings our total membership to 296, reflecting the growing influence of sustainability leadership in Nigeria,” she said.
Abimbola further outlined SPIN’s strategic goals for the coming years, revealing that the next target is to attain chartered status. She said this would help the organisation drive the standardisation of sustainability practices across Nigeria, institutionalise its professional frameworks, and boost Nigeria’s visibility and leadership in global sustainability conversations.
One of the high points of the event was the conferment of an honorary fellowship on Dr. Segun Ogunsanya, Chairman of the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) and head of Airtel Africa Foundation. Dr. Ogunsanya, recognised for his impactful contributions to sustainability in Nigeria and across Africa, gave opening remarks where he highlighted how sustainable investment principles can be used to shape inclusive economic development.
He said organisations must begin to align their investment strategies with environmental and social responsibility if they want to remain relevant in the evolving global economy. According to him, integrating sustainability into core decision-making helps reduce long-term risks, attract impact-focused investors, and position African economies for innovation-driven growth.
SPIN, which was founded six years ago, has grown steadily and is now regarded as a leading voice for sustainability professionals in Nigeria. The body provides a platform for training, research, professional networking, and policy engagement in various areas, including environmental protection, climate action, green finance, responsible consumption, and inclusive governance.
As part of its long-term vision, SPIN is working to influence sustainability integration in major sectors such as energy, infrastructure, manufacturing, agriculture, and education. The Institute has also been active in capacity-building efforts, helping both private and public institutions embed sustainability principles in their operations.
The 2025 cohort includes professionals from diverse backgrounds—ranging from corporate sustainability officers, environmental consultants, and academics to development practitioners and public policy experts. They were taken through a formal induction process and will now contribute to advancing SPIN’s mission across Nigeria and beyond.
With the drive towards chartered status, SPIN aims to expand its influence through policy partnerships, regional training hubs, and international collaborations. The Institute says it is also looking to work closely with government bodies, multilateral agencies, and civil society to push for the inclusion of sustainability metrics in Nigeria’s national development plans.
The growing interest in sustainability in Nigeria is seen as a positive shift amid the country’s environmental, economic, and social challenges. By empowering professionals and creating standards, organisations like SPIN are expected to play a critical role in helping Nigeria transition to a more inclusive and sustainable future.
