The Chartered Institute of Project Managers of Nigeria (CIPMN) has said from the year 2025, it will intensify enforcement that every project across the country including foreign nationals will be delivered by certified professionals .
The Registrar of CIPMN, Mr Henry Mbadiwe, at the 2024 Annual Project Management Conference in Abuja on Monday said every project manager, including foreign nationals, must regularise their certifications within 12 months of commencing work in Nigeria.
Mr Henry stressed the urgency of enforcing certification compliance among project managers in Nigeria and non-compliance is unacceptable.
According to him, enforcing certification laws will help deliver value to Nigerians, improve project execution, and ensure accountability in sectors such as construction, healthcare, and financial services among others.
Also speaking, the Chairman of CIPMN, Mr Olabode Afolayan, reiterated the challenges posed by non-professionals managing projects in Nigeria, citing significant losses in time, resources, and lives.
“Going around the country, you see the impact of unqualified individuals managing projects. It is evident in the poorly executed projects we encounter daily.
“However, with the dynamic leadership of the council, we are determined to enforce existing laws and ensure square pegs are in square holes,” Okafor said.
He called for collaborative efforts and sensitisation programmes to educate stakeholders on the importance of certification in delivering impactful projects.
Also, the Director of ICT at the National Pension Commission (PENCOM), Mr Micheal Popoola, restated the role of project management in mitigating risks and ensuring adaptability, particularly in the pension industry.
“Project management principles, especially agile methodologies, are essential for managing uncertainties and delivering results.
” Continuous upskilling and collaboration between institutions and the government are key to achieving the desired outcomes,” Michael said.
Also, the Head, Departmemt of Monitoring and Development Mr Tarfa Makyur, at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), reiterated the agency’s commitment to professionalism.
“In the capital market, certification is non-negotiable. It ensures that only skilled practitioners handle critical tasks.This is vital for the Nigeria we dream of, where accountability and efficiency drive development,” he said.
