As a membership organization, NEST set itself the overall goal of acting in concert with an active, nationwide membership to accomplish its mission, through the following operational objectives
:

1. Conducting and promoting knowledge building in all areas of human interaction with the environment Placing at the disposal of all stakeholders appropriate information and perspectives on the status of the Nigerian environment
2. Stimulating debate and intensifying awareness on the consequences of human actions on the environment Sensitizing policy makers on the need to pursue sustainable development
3. Facilitating the development of sustainable livelihoods at the grassroots through enterprise systems
4.Addressing peculiar environmental issues that affect disadvantaged groups, including women and children; and Networking and collaborating with other organizations, local or international, involved in environment and sustainable development issues.