The Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS) has entered a new leadership era as Dr. Aminu Bashir was formally installed as the 28th President of the institute, promising sweeping reforms to enhance professionalism, strengthen institutional capacity and elevate the role of quantity surveyors in Nigeria’s infrastructure and construction ecosystem.
Speaking during his investiture in Abuja, Bashir outlined a bold reform agenda centred on advocacy, digital transformation, capacity building, youth development and long-awaited institutional restructuring.
Advocacy, Visibility and Government Engagement
Bashir said the new National Executive Council (NEC) would prioritise a coordinated national advocacy programme targeting government MDAs, regulators and major private-sector players.
The goal, he explained, is to improve NIQS visibility, unlock consultancy opportunities for members and increase the institute’s participation in procurement processes across key industries.
Capacity Building and Sector-Specific Training
To boost technical competence and workforce readiness, the NEC will introduce advanced training programmes covering MEP/HVAC systems, highways and rail construction, marine engineering, and oil and gas infrastructure.
The council will also sign MoUs with specialist firms to secure internship placements for young quantity surveyors.
New Revenue Streams Through Real Estate Investment
Bashir announced that, following a resolution of the NIQS AGM, the institute will begin investing in real estate assets to build long-term financial sustainability.
“We shall increase our asset base by investing in landed properties and viable projects in locations with appreciable value,” he said.
NIQS Secretariat Revamp and Digitalisation
A comprehensive overhaul of the NIQS secretariat is another key priority.
Planned reforms include a full operational audit, recruitment into vacant roles, digitisation of processes, a unified member portal and a new policy-consultation platform.
The secretariat will also migrate to solar power to reduce recurrent costs.
Constitution Review and Inclusive Leadership
In a bid to modernise governance, Bashir announced the creation of a Constitution Review Consultative Committee (CRCC), with representation from all geopolitical zones.
The committee will collate member feedback on reforms aimed at strengthening corporate governance and aligning NIQS operations with global standards.
Strategic Plan Upgrade and Rebranding
Bashir said the NEC would finalise the review of the NIQS strategic action plan and update all corporate documents.
He also pledged to intensify the NIQS rebranding agenda to rebuild public trust and enhance the profession’s visibility.
Completion of NIQS Cost Data Bank
Describing it as a crucial national tool, Bashir reaffirmed the council’s commitment to completing the NIQS Cost Data Bank to enhance cost planning, budgeting and the monitoring of national capital projects.
Boosting Professional Skills Through Digital Training
Working with the Quantity Surveyors Academy, NIQS plans to scale up training in digital cost management, data analytics, sustainability, carbon assessment, green buildings and energy audits.
New Award for Top Graduating Students
To attract more talent into the profession, the institute will introduce the NIQS President’s Award for Best Graduating Quantity Surveying Students across tertiary institutions in all six geopolitical zones.
International Collaboration and Export of QS Expertise
Bashir also outlined plans to negotiate new reciprocity agreements with international professional bodies, noting that exporting Nigerian QS expertise would boost foreign exchange earnings and global visibility.
Kano Government Reacts
The Kano State Government, through Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Waiya, praised Bashir’s emergence as the first Kano indigene to lead the NIQS, describing it as a “historic and heartwarming milestone.”
