The institute believes that by integrating more professionals in key roles, the commission can ensure that public infrastructure projects are executed transparently and with optimal value for money.

During a visit to the commission’s headquarters in Abuja, NIQS President Kene Nzekwe led discussions with Chairman Emeka Ezeh, emphasizing that quantity surveyors play a critical role in ensuring proper cost estimation, contract administration, and financial accountability in construction projects.

He pointed out that many government-funded projects face challenges such as inflated costs and delays due to a lack of proper financial oversight. By employing more quantity surveyors, the commission can prevent these issues, streamline procurement processes, and foster better financial planning in project execution.

Nzekwe further underscored the institute’s commitment to promoting best practices in cost management, ensuring that all public sector projects adhere to strict financial discipline.

He noted that NIQS members are equipped with the expertise needed to assess project feasibility, mitigate financial risks, and guide government agencies toward more sustainable infrastructure development.

He urged the commission to consider employing quantity surveyors as procurement and planning officers, given their unique skills in ensuring transparency and efficiency in public spending.

Responding to the proposal, Chairman Ezeh acknowledged the vital contributions of quantity surveyors to Nigeria’s construction and infrastructure sectors.

He provided insights into the commission’s operations, explaining that although the enabling Act establishing the FCT Civil Service Commission was signed into law in 2018, it only became fully functional under the present administration.

The commission currently oversees a workforce of approximately 32,000 employees, and recruitment is carried out based on declared vacancies from relevant government agencies.

Ezeh assured the NIQS delegation that their request would be given due consideration whenever opportunities arise. He reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to hiring skilled professionals to improve project management efficiency, stressing that all recruitment processes would be conducted transparently and in line with government policies.

As Nigeria continues to expand its urban infrastructure, experts agree that strong cost management and effective procurement strategies will be key to ensuring sustainable development.

The NIQS remains optimistic that its advocacy will lead to an increased presence of quantity surveyors in the public sector, ultimately resulting in better project execution and greater accountability in government spending.

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At a pre-event press conference, NIQS President QS Kene Nzekwe, FNIQS, highlighted the institute’s efforts to strengthen quantity surveying practices and processes to address economic turbulence.

This year’s AGM, with the theme “Strengthening Quantity Surveying Practices and Processes for Growth and Sustainability in a Turbulent Economy,” aims to tackle pressing industry issues.

Nzekwe stressed the critical role of quantity surveyors in resource allocation, cost management, and efficient project execution amid economic volatility.

“In these turbulent times, quantity surveyors must adapt and innovate to remain indispensable. Our role in ensuring value-for-money solutions is pivotal as the nation grapples with inflation and scarce resources,” he said.

Nzekwe outlined several initiatives by the NIQS to enhance construction outcomes, including Cost Databank Development: A comprehensive resource to provide reliable benchmarks for project cost estimation and planning, the Building and Engineering Standard Method of Measurement, designed to standardise cost estimation and improve transparency, resource Scheduling for Small Projects: Tailored guidelines to assist small-scale builders in resource allocation and scheduling, promoting inclusivity and sustainability.

The president urged stakeholders to adopt these frameworks to enhance accountability, improve project quality, and foster industry-wide best practices.

Nzekwe also addressed challenges such as hyperinflation and unqualified personnel and the risks they pose to project success and public safety. He criticised the engagement of unqualified personnel in cost management, citing their contribution to abandoned projects, cost overruns, and structural failures.

“Quantity surveyors are uniquely qualified to provide accurate cost assessments from project conception to completion. Engaging unqualified personnel jeopardises not only project outcomes but also public safety,” Nzekwe warned.

The NIQS called on the government to prioritise qualified quantity surveyors in construction projects and urged the separation of design and cost management responsibilities to enhance transparency and accountability.

As the AGM approaches, Nzekwe reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to collaborating with stakeholders to optimise project delivery and achieve sustainable growth.

“Our expertise can help navigate challenges, manage construction costs, and maximise scarce resources,” he said, emphasising that solutions from the AGM will shape the industry’s future.

The AGM will also provide an opportunity for the NIQS leadership to present achievements and gather feedback to strengthen the institute further.

“By fostering innovation, collaboration, and adherence to global best practices, we can create a resilient and efficient construction industry,” Nzekwe concluded.

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