FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA
EKITI STATE GOVERNMENT
EKITI KNOWLEDGE ZONE PROJECT
REQUEST FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FOR ENGAGEMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL RISK MITIGATION CONSULTANT FOR EKITI KNOWLEDGE ZONE (CONSULTING SERVICES)
PROJECT ID: P-NG-100-002

The Federal Government of Nigeria has secured a loan from the African Development Bank towards the implementation of the Ekiti Knowledge Zone Project (EKZ). The project site is located between Ago Araromi in Ado Local Government Area and Ijan Ekiti in Gbonyin Local Government Area of Ekiti State. The Project intends to apply part of the proceeds of the loan for the engagement of a qualified Environmental and Social Risk Mitigation Consultant (Consulting Firm) to provide professional support in strengthening environmental and social safeguards compliance, risk identification, mitigation planning, monitoring, stakeholder engagement and sustainability management within the EKZ Project implementation framework.

The Consultant shall support the Project Implementation Unit (PIU) in ensuring that all project activities comply with applicable national environmental laws, African Development Bank Environmental and Social Safeguards requirements, and international best practices relating to environmental sustainability, social inclusion, occupational health and safety, community engagement and grievance redress mechanisms.

The scope of the assignment includes but is not limited to:
1. Conducting environmental and social risk assessments relating to ongoing and proposed EKZ activities;
2. Developing and implementing Environmental and Social Risk Mitigation Plans and monitoring frameworks;
3. Supporting compliance with AfDB Environmental and Social Safeguards requirements and national regulations;
4. Monitoring environmental, social, health and safety (ESHS) compliance of contractors and project activities;
5. Supporting stakeholder engagement, community consultations and grievance redress management;
6. Preparing periodic environmental and social safeguards reports and compliance documentation;
7. Identifying potential environmental and social risks and recommending mitigation measures;
8. Providing technical guidance and capacity building to PIU staff and relevant stakeholders on safeguards implementation and risk management.

The Ekiti State Development and Investment Promotion Agency (EKDIPA), the Implementing Agency, now invites eligible Consulting Firms to indicate their interest in providing the services described above. Interested Consultants should possess demonstrated experience in environmental and social safeguards management, environmental impact assessment, risk mitigation planning, social inclusion, occupational health and safety, stakeholder engagement and sustainability compliance within donor-funded or large-scale infrastructure and development projects.

Interested Consultants must possess strong knowledge of Nigerian environmental regulations, AfDB Environmental and Social Framework, international environmental standards and project risk management procedures. Experience working with multilateral development institutions, government agencies and public sector infrastructure projects will constitute a significant advantage. The Consultant Firm shall possess the following qualifications and experience:
1. At least a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Social Sciences, Development Studies, Occupational Health and Safety, or related disciplines;
2. Minimum of seven (7) years relevant professional experience in environmental and social safeguards management;
3. Demonstrated experience in conducting environmental and social risk assessments and preparing mitigation plans for development projects;
4. Proven knowledge of AfDB Environmental and Social Safeguards policies and Nigerian environmental regulatory frameworks;
5. Experience in stakeholder engagement, grievance redress management and community consultation processes;
6. Strong analytical, reporting, communication and project coordination skills;
7. Membership of relevant professional bodies and possession of relevant certifications shall be an added advantage.

Eligibility criteria, establishment of the short-list and the selection procedure shall be in accordance with the African Development Bank’s Procurement Policy for Bank Group Funded Operations (October 2015), which is available on the Bank’s website at https://www.afdb.org/en/projects-and-operations/procurement/new-procurement-policy/

Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours [0900 to 1700 hours]. Interested parties may request for the Terms of Reference (ToR) for better understanding of the assignment.

Expressions of Interest must be delivered in written form to the address below (in person, or by e-mail) on or before 12 Noon Nigeria Time on 13th July, 2026.

The Director General
Ekiti State Development and Investment Promotion Agency (EKDIPA)
Mutual House, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti-State,
Tel. No: +234-803-759-5611, +234-806-017-4418
Email: ekitiknowledgezone@gmail.com, ekdipa@ekitistate.gov.ng