The Plateau State Environmental Protection and Sanitation Agency (PEPSA) has commenced the development of two landmark institutional frameworks aimed at strengthening environmental governance, improving sanitation service delivery, and promoting sustainable behavioural change across Plateau State.
The initiative was officially launched during an inception meeting held at the Agency’s headquarters and will culminate in the development of the Plateau State Social and Behaviour Change Communication (SBCC) Guidelines and the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for PEPSA Operations.
The consultancy is being led by Lead Technical Consultant, Herbert Gomagallah Daniel, alongside a multidisciplinary team of experts.
Speaking at the inauguration of the project, the Director General of PEPSA, Samuel Nathaniel Dapiya, described the exercise as a major institutional reform designed to strengthen the Agency’s operational systems and improve environmental sanitation service delivery across the state.
He explained that the SBCC Guidelines would provide a practical framework for promoting positive sanitation behaviours among households, schools, markets, businesses, transport operators, institutions and communities.
According to Dapiya, achieving sustainable environmental sanitation requires more than infrastructure development and law enforcement, stressing that continuous public education, stakeholder engagement and behavioural change are equally critical.
He noted that the Guidelines would standardise sanitation messaging, strengthen collaboration among stakeholders, encourage community participation and ensure that communication strategies are inclusive, culturally appropriate and responsive to local needs.
The Director General further stated that the development of Standard Operating Procedures would establish clear operational processes, define staff responsibilities, improve accountability, strengthen interdepartmental coordination and preserve institutional knowledge.
“Our objective is to build an institution that is driven by strong systems rather than individuals,” he said, adding that the reforms would improve efficiency and ensure consistency in service delivery.
Presenting the consultancy methodology, Lead Technical Consultant Herbert Gomagallah Daniel said the assignment would adopt a participatory and evidence-based approach involving extensive consultations with PEPSA management, technical staff, field officers, local government representatives, development partners and other key stakeholders.
He disclosed that the project would also include staff capacity building, implementation tools, monitoring and evaluation frameworks, and validation sessions to ensure broad stakeholder ownership and long-term sustainability.
According to Daniel, while the SBCC Guidelines will provide a unified framework for transforming sanitation into a shared social responsibility, the SOPs will simplify workflows, strengthen accountability, improve coordination and establish practical standards to enhance operational efficiency across the Agency.
Upon completion, the two frameworks are expected to significantly strengthen PEPSA’s institutional capacity, improve collaboration with stakeholders, enhance public confidence and provide a model for environmental sanitation and behaviour change communication in Nigeria.
The initiative aligns with the Plateau State Government’s commitment to improving environmental governance, advancing public health, promoting sustainable sanitation practices and supporting the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) on Clean Water and Sanitation.
