Safeguarding Nigeria’s Construction Future: NIQS Cracks Down on Unethical Practices & Advocates for Industry Reform
Nigeria’s construction industry is at a critical juncture. While poised for meaningful growth, it’s hampered by systemic challenges – from a lack of robust regulatory standards to the pervasive issue of unqualified personnel. The Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS) is taking a firm stance,actively working to address these issues and champion a future built on professionalism,accountability,and sustainable practices. This article delves into the NIQS’s recent pronouncements, outlining its commitment to ethical conduct, industry reform, and a stable economic surroundings for construction.
A Zero-Tolerance Policy for Professional Misconduct
Recent statements from NIQS President, Olanrewaju Nzekwe, underscore a resolute commitment to upholding the integrity of the quantity surveying profession. The message is clear: unethical behavior will not be tolerated. “Once anybody is established to be involved in any kind of infraction, I can assure you that one of the things I know will be done is that we will deregister him,” Nzekwe stated emphatically. This isn’t merely a warning; it’s a presentation of the NIQS’s dedication to self-regulation and maintaining public trust.
This commitment extends beyond internal disciplinary action. The NIQS will actively collaborate with the Quantity Surveyors Registration Board of Nigeria (QSRBN), the legally empowered body responsible for professional licensing.The institute will report erring members to the QSRBN, potentially leading to the revocation of their licenses and barring them from practicing in Nigeria. This proactive approach signals a serious intent to eliminate unprofessional conduct and protect the reputation of qualified quantity surveyors.
The Peril of Untrained Professionals & Professional Encroachment
A core concern for the NIQS is the increasing trend of assigning construction cost management responsibilities to individuals lacking the necessary training and qualifications. Nzekwe rightly points out that this practice is a significant driver of inefficiency and escalating cost overruns – a common plague in Nigerian construction projects. “You cannot entrust a matter that has to do with construction cost management to someone who is not trained to do so,” he asserts.
This issue is compounded by professional encroachment, where individuals without proper certification attempt to perform the duties of qualified quantity surveyors. The NIQS is actively campaigning against this practice, recognizing it as a direct threat to the profession’s standards and the quality of construction projects nationwide. The institute is appealing to the media to join their advocacy efforts, recognizing the power of public awareness in combating this problem.
(Expert Insight: Cost management is a highly specialized field requiring a deep understanding of materials, labour, market fluctuations, and risk assessment. entrusting this to unqualified individuals inevitably leads to inaccurate budgeting, poor financial control, and ultimately, project failure.)
Addressing Systemic Challenges: Regulation, Standards & Economic Stability
The NIQS isn’t solely focused on internal discipline. Nzekwe highlights critical systemic issues hindering the industry’s progress. A major obstacle is the lack of legally recognized regulatory standards. Surprisingly, even the building code – a basic document guiding professionals in the built environment – has yet to be formally adopted as law in Nigeria. This absence of a clear legal framework creates ambiguity and undermines accountability.
The NIQS is actively engaging with government stakeholders to address this deficiency, advocating for the formalization of the building code and the implementation of comprehensive regulatory standards. This proactive engagement demonstrates the institute’s commitment to long-term industry advancement.
Furthermore, the NIQS recognizes the significant impact of macroeconomic factors on construction costs.The floating and devaluation of the Naira, coupled with subsequent hyperinflation, have dramatically increased the price of construction materials and overall project expenses. Nzekwe urges the federal government to review its fiscal and monetary policies to stabilize the economy and create a more predictable environment for the construction sector.
(Authority & Experience: The NIQS represents the collective expertise of Nigeria’s leading quantity surveyors. Their insights into the challenges facing the industry are invaluable, and their advocacy for policy changes is crucial for sustainable growth.)
A Call for integrity, Competence & Continuous Learning
Nzekwe emphasizes the importance of upholding core professional values: integrity, competence, and continuous learning. He stresses that only trained and certified experts should be entrusted with national infrastructure projects. This underscores the NIQS’s commitment to quality assurance and ensuring that projects are delivered to the highest standards.
Looking Ahead: A Commitment to Excellence
The NIQS remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting the image of the profession and promoting excellence across Nigeria’s construction industry. By actively addressing
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