In a call for transformative changes to the budgeting process, former President of the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS), Mr. Samson Emiowele, has urged a strategic partnership between the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning and the institute.
Speaking at the NIQS Leadership Retreat in Abuja, Emiowele expressed concern about the current practice of assigning arbitrary figures to infrastructure projects, emphasizing the need for well-researched and articulated information by the institute to enhance the budgeting process.
Emiowele proposed strategic partnerships with specialized agencies, legislature, parastatals, media, advertising agencies, and related professional bodies.
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He highlighted potential collaborations, including providing information on construction materials to the Bureau of Statistics, partnering with national newspapers for market surveys, sponsoring research in universities and polytechnics, and engaging in beautification projects with local councils or other agencies.
Furthermore, another past NIQS president, Mr. Agele Alufohai, emphasized the importance of aligning with global best practices. He advocated for the adoption of Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology, increased focus on sustainable construction practices, and the incorporation of automation and digital tools in quantity surveying processes.
Alufohai also underscored the significance of resilience planning, regulatory compliance, and ethics in the construction sector.
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In a forward-looking approach, Husaini Dikko, a fellow of the institute, urged NIQS to identify and develop competences relevant to modern technologies. Dikko recommended establishing a unit to monitor the impact of disruptive technologies on quantity surveying and fostering mentorship arrangements to facilitate knowledge transfer.
The NIQS president, Kene Nzekwe, acknowledged the significance of the retreat, providing a platform for past presidents to share their experiences and insights. The collective wisdom shared during the retreat is expected to guide the institute as it envisions the path forward in its mission.