The rising cost of public projects in Nigeria has come under renewed scrutiny as industry experts and policymakers call for institutional reforms to strengthen cost control mechanisms across government agencies.

The Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors has urged the Federal Government to mandate the engagement of certified quantity surveyors in procurement and contract management processes to ensure transparency, accountability, and cost efficiency.

Speaking in Abuja, NIQS President Aminu Bashir emphasised that quantity surveyors are equipped with the technical expertise required to manage construction costs and prevent financial leakages in infrastructure delivery.

He made the call during the naming of the institute’s secretariat building in honour of former president Olusegun Ajanlekoko, describing him as a distinguished professional whose contributions have shaped cost management practices in Nigeria’s construction industry.

Former Cross River State governor Donald Duke reinforced the call for reform, advocating the establishment of dedicated cost control units within Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to oversee project budgeting and execution.

Duke noted that effective cost management remains critical to reducing waste in public spending, citing the Tinapa Resort project where professional cost oversight reportedly saved about N3 billion during its development.

Also speaking at the event, Chairman of Family Homes Fund Limited Demola Adebise stressed that the role of quantity surveyors has become increasingly vital in ensuring value delivery, particularly in large-scale housing and infrastructure projects.

He observed that sustainable project delivery at scale cannot be achieved without strong built environment professionals, describing quantity surveyors as central to maintaining financial discipline in construction processes.

In his remarks, Ajanlekoko called for the consistent deployment of registered professionals in both public and private sector projects, stressing that adherence to professional standards is essential to achieving value for money.

He urged practitioners to uphold integrity, discipline, and excellence, noting that leadership in the profession must be anchored on service, character, and long-term value creation rather than personal recognition.

Ajanlekoko described the naming of the Abuja secretariat building in his honour as a humbling experience, highlighting the importance of legacy and sustained professional impact in the built environment sector.

Stakeholders at the event expressed concern that weak institutional frameworks and the absence of structured cost control systems in many MDAs have contributed significantly to inflated project costs nationwide.

They warned that without deliberate reforms, Nigeria may continue to experience inefficiencies in public project delivery, undermining infrastructure development and economic growth.

The call for reform comes amid increasing pressure on government finances, with experts stressing that improved cost management practices could help optimise limited resources and enhance project outcomes.

Analysts believe that integrating quantity surveyors into the core decision-making processes of MDAs would not only curb excessive spending but also restore confidence in public procurement systems.

They further noted that strengthening professional oversight in construction projects is essential to addressing long-standing challenges in Nigeria’s infrastructure sector and ensuring sustainable development.

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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.”

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The Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS) has reiterated its firm stance against unethical behaviour within the profession, declaring that any member found guilty of misconduct will face strict disciplinary action.

During a press conference ahead of the institute’s 31st Biennial General Meeting and National Conference in Abuja, NIQS President, Kene Nzekwe, said the body remains committed to safeguarding the integrity, credibility, and public trust associated with quantity surveying.

Nzekwe revealed that several cases of misconduct are already under investigation, stressing that the institute will not hesitate to sanction offenders once due process confirms wrongdoing.

According to him, erring members will be removed from the NIQS register and reported to the Quantity Surveyors Registration Board of Nigeria (QSRBN)—the statutory body empowered to issue or withdraw licences.

“We do not compromise on ethics. Anyone found guilty of infractions will be sanctioned and reported to QSRBN for appropriate action,” he said.

He emphasized that the institute’s Ethics and Practice Committee thoroughly reviews allegations to ensure accountability and uphold high professional standards.

Nzekwe also highlighted that the forthcoming conference themed “Rebuilding Nigeria: Enhancing National Development Through Fiscal Reforms, Infrastructure Planning, and the New Governance Imperative” aligns with the ongoing federal reforms designed to strengthen transparency and stimulate economic growth.

He encouraged professionals and stakeholders to adopt digital systems, embrace standardized processes, and support reforms that promote efficiency and attract investment to the construction and infrastructure sectors.

NIQS Deputy President, Dr. Aminu Bashir, added that the institute remains committed to fostering dialogue that enhances infrastructure delivery and national development.

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The Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS) has raised concerns over what it described as widespread corruption within Nigeria’s housing and financial sectors, warning that the menace is crippling the country’s mortgage system and making homeownership increasingly difficult for citizens.

Speaking at a press briefing in Lagos as part of the Institute’s golden jubilee celebration, NIQS General Secretary, Azeez Ayodabo, urged the Federal Government to review existing mortgage policies to make access more flexible and income-based.

“The government should adjust mortgage thresholds according to income categories. It’s unrealistic to advertise a three-bedroom maisonette for a level six or seven civil servant. Housing schemes should be structured in categories—bungalows, flats, terraces, and duplexes—to match citizens’ earnings,” Ayodabo said.

He lamented that corruption and lack of transparency have weakened the system. According to him, many developers who accessed government loans between 2006 and 2009 failed to deliver affordable homes despite receiving public funds.

“Corruption has eroded the mortgage system. Some exploited connections to access loans meant for the public and diverted funds, forcing the government to take direct control of the process,” he added.

Ayodabo also stressed the vital role of quantity surveyors in ensuring cost efficiency and project integrity.

“Quantity surveyors should be involved throughout projects, not just in preparing the Bill of Quantities. Their oversight prevents cost overruns, material substitution, and poor workmanship,” he explained.

Lagos Chapter Chairman, Rilwan Balogun, called for broader inclusion of quantity surveyors in national infrastructure projects, noting that their expertise is critical to transparency and value for money.

“Engaging QS consortiums early in projects like the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway could have prevented inflated costs and opacity,” he stated.

Balogun added that government should mandate the submission of properly prepared Bills of Quantities for all building approvals to reduce cases of abandoned and substandard projects.

Also speaking, NIQS Deputy Chairman, Femi Falusi, highlighted the encroachment of non-professionals into the QS field due to technology misuse.

He called for policies that make it mandatory for all cost estimates and Bills of Quantities to be prepared and stamped by registered quantity surveyors, adding that the Institute continues to encourage members to embrace digital tools and innovation to remain competitive.

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With millions of Nigerians struggling to afford decent housing while many properties remain vacant, the government aims to make hoarding real estate an expensive decision.

Housing and Urban Development Minister Ahmed Musa Dangiwa explained that while property owners cannot be forced to lease or sell, financial disincentives can discourage speculation. For instance, if a property valued at N5 million annually remains vacant, a N3 million ground rent could make it too costly to leave the building unoccupied. This approach is expected to push owners to either rent or sell their properties.

To execute this policy, the government has launched a nationwide survey to identify empty . Legal experts are currently reviewing strategies to ensure the policy does not infringe on property rights while compelling owners to contribute to the housing market.

In addition to tackling vacant homes, the government is also cracking down on substandard construction within the Renewed Hope City housing initiative. Minister Dangiwa revealed that some contractors have been using inferior materials and cutting corners, hoping to conceal defects with finishing touches.

In response, the government has vowed to take strict action, including immediate contract termination for any contractor found guilty of poor-quality work.

To strengthen oversight, the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has deployed teams of experts—including architects, quantity surveyors, and structural engineers—across all 36 states.

These professionals are ensuring that construction projects meet national safety and quality standards, preventing shoddy workmanship that could endanger lives.

The government’s bold stance signals a major shift in housing regulations. As these policies take effect, many Nigerians remain hopeful that they will lead to a more affordable and quality-driven housing market. However, concerns persist about how property owners and developers will respond to the new rules.

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