Members of the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS) have inaugurated Kene Nzekwe as its 27th president. Nzekwe, who took the baton at the investiture dinner last week, pledged to complete NIQS – Quantity Surveyors Registration Board of Nigeria (QSRBN) cost database and safeguard public funds.
He said the database is necessary for data-driven decision making, cost estimation accuracy and benchmarking against historical data to identify best practices.
He plans to ensure effective implementation of the institute’s code of ethics and professional conduct to improve ethical behaviour and culture of members. “We must be known for our unwavering commitment to honesty, integrity, and professionalism.
“We are dedicated to providing the enabling environment for the Young Quantity Surveyors’ Forum (YQSF) and other organs of the institute that are the lifeblood of our profession. Our young professionals represent the future, and we must empower them to take the lead,” he said.
He urged every member to join hands in achieving his aspirations and vision. “Our success will be measured not only by the growth of our profession but by the positive impact we make on the lives of our members. We have a responsibility to society, to ensure efficiency and accountability,” he said.
According to him, the role of a quantity surveyor has always been integral in infrastructure development, but in today’s fast-paced world, the profession has taken on a more pivotal role than ever before. “Quantity surveyors are not just individuals with calculators and spreadsheets.
“We are the architects of sustainable development, and the sentinels of ethical practice. Our ability to provide integrated cost management solutions is not just a necessity; it is a game-changer,” Nzekwe said.
He noted that the construction industry is evolving rapidly, with new trends and technologies emerging daily. “We must equip our members with the knowledge and skills to thrive in this changing landscape. Our journey towards sustainable infrastructure projects’ delivery requires a steadfast commitment to innovation.
“We must embrace cutting-edge technologies such as Building Information Modeling and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance the accuracy and cost management services.
“By doing so, we can mitigate the risks associated with cost overruns, delays, and surpass project outcomes.
“Therefore, we are committed to providing more structured and targeted capacity building for our members, enabling them to take advantage of new trends in the construction industry and improving employability and consultancy services engagement opportunities,” he added.
