In today’s globalized world, sustainability is no longer a buzzword; it’s a core business principle. As a woman entrepreneur in Nigeria, leading a woman-owned business (WOB), you have the power to not only build a successful enterprise but also contribute to a more sustainable future. One way to achieve this is by implementing a well-defined procurement policy that prioritizes social and environmental responsibility alongside traditional business considerations.

This article will equip you with the knowledge and tools to craft a sustainable procurement policy specifically tailored for your WOB in the Nigerian context.

What is Sustainable Procurement? 

Sustainable procurement is a strategic approach to sourcing goods and services that considers not just cost and quality but also the social and environmental impact of those purchases. Here’s a breakdown of the key pillars of sustainable procurement:

Economic Sustainability: This ensures your procurement practices contribute to a healthy and stable economy. This could involve supporting local businesses, particularly other WOBs, or prioritizing fair trade practices in your supply chain.


Social Sustainability: This focuses on the ethical treatment of workers throughout your supply chain. This could involve ensuring your suppliers adhere to fair labor practices, including safe working conditions and living wages for employees.

 

Environmental Sustainability: This minimizes the environmental footprint of your business by prioritizing environmentally friendly products and services. This could involve sourcing recycled materials, reducing packaging waste, or partnering with suppliers committed to sustainable practices.

 

Crafting Your WOB’s Procurement Policy: A Step-by-Step Guide

Developing a sustainable procurement policy for your WOB involves a series of key steps:

  1. Defining Your Values and Priorities: Before diving into specifics, identify the core values that guide your business. What social and environmental issues are important to you? This will set the foundation for your policy.
  2. Risk Assessment: Identify potential sustainability risks associated with your supply chain. This could include labor exploitation, environmental pollution by suppliers, or sourcing from conflict zones.
  3. Developing Selection Criteria: Establish clear criteria for evaluating potential suppliers beyond just price. Include factors like social responsibility certifications, environmental practices, and commitment to diversity, particularly supporting other WOBs.
  4. Communication and Collaboration: Clearly communicate your procurement policy to all relevant stakeholders, including employees involved in purchasing decisions. Encourage open communication with suppliers to foster collaboration on sustainability initiatives.
  5. Monitoring and Evaluation: Regularly assess the effectiveness of your procurement policy. Track metrics like the percentage of your purchases made from local businesses or sustainable sources. This allows you to identify areas for improvement and refine your policy over time.

Remember: Crafting a sustainable procurement policy is an ongoing process. Adapt it as your business grows and industry best practices evolve. Consider seeking guidance from business associations or sustainability consultants familiar with the Nigerian context.

Leveraging Resources and Support Systems

The good news? You don’t have to go it alone! Here are some resources and support systems available to assist WOBs in Nigeria with sustainable procurement:

  • Nigerian Sustainable Business Coalition (NSBC): The NSBC provides resources and guidance on integrating sustainability practices into business operations, including procurement. Explore their website for workshops, best practices, and networking opportunities [[invalid URL removed]].
  • Women in Business (WiB) Nigeria: WiB Nigeria offers programs and workshops specifically designed to equip WOBs with the skills and knowledge to navigate business challenges. Some programs may address supply chain management and integrating sustainable practices.
  • Federal Ministry of Environment (FMEnv): The FMEnv website provides information on environmental regulations and initiatives that can inform your sustainable procurement decisions [See website].

Conclusion: Building a Legacy Beyond Profit

By implementing a sustainable procurement policy, your WOB transcends the realm of simply making a profit. You become a leader in promoting social responsibility and environmental well-being within the Nigerian business landscape. This commitment to sustainability not only empowers your business but also inspires others to follow suit, paving the way for a more sustainable future for generations to come.