The Nigeria Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS) has sought to partner with Julius Berger Nigeria Plc in infrastructural development.

Chairman of NIQS Foundation Board of Trustees, Olusegun Ajanlekoko made the plea when he led the board on a courtesy visit to the construction company.

Ajanlekoko, who described the construction company as a beacon of excellence, welcomed the opportunity to partner with the firm to broaden the foundation’s scope.

The Chairman stated that the group’s visit to Julius Berger was driven by the desire to foster a strategic partnership that aligns with their shared objective of promoting excellence, professionalism, and innovation in the built environment.

He said that as a foundation, they are committed to supporting initiatives that enhance capacity building, research and sustainable development in the quantity surveying profession and construction industry at large.

He said: “This foundation is an offshoot of the NIQS. When NIQS turned 50, we thought about what we could use to impact the society, how our presence can be felt, and that was what led to the foundation.”

Describing the NIQS Foundation as a new baby still growing, he said the group needed to look beyond the shores of their immediate environment for partnership opportunities with like-minded organisations.

“We needed to go beyond the shores of our confinement and look at how we can partner, how we can extend synergies between ourselves and those who are progressive in the industry, those who have the same vision as us, and our first point of call was Julius Berger.

“So, when we looked at those who we think can have the same goal, and vision and can team up with us; Julius Berger came up on the front board.”

“On behalf of the NIQS Foundation, we send our gratitude for the warm welcome and the opportunity to engage with you in the spirit of collaboration and mutual progress,” he said.

He continued: “Your unwavering commitment to policies, sustainability and capacity building within the construction sector is commendable and serves as an inspiration to industry stakeholders including the NIQS Foundation.”

Julius Berger’s Director of Administration, Dr Abdulaziz Kaita, said the visit was not just an acknowledgement of the institution’s dedication to the values of excellence and professionalism, but a testament to their unwavering commitment to the growth and advancement of quantity surveying in the country.

According to him, the foundation has been a beacon of hope and progress in the field of quantity surveying.

Kaita acknowledged the group’s efforts in promoting professional development, fostering innovation, and ensuring the highest ethical standards have been instrumental in shaping the landscape of construction and project management in Nigeria through its initiatives that empower young professionals and fund education.

He further said the visit is an opportunity to strengthen their partnership and collectively explore ways to further the objectives of the foundation. “We believe that this engagement will lead to fruitful discussions and actionable steps to empower the next generation of professionals and reinforce the value of quantity surveying in our national development,” he said.

Also, the Director-General of NIQS Foundation, Dr Celestina Eke, said, the foundation is an independent organisation formed by NIQS to carry out research, improve the lives of individuals and create a better environment through research and alleviation programmes.

She said the visit marked a significant step towards enhancing collaboration and communication within the construction industry. “We express strong commitment to working together on future initiatives that promote professional development and address the challenges faced by quantity surveyors.

“This partnership is expected to contribute positively to the growth and advancement of the sector, ensuring the delivery of high-quality and sustainable construction projects in Nigeria. We believe this partnership will reinforce Julius Berger’s leadership in Corporate Social Responsibility and community development,” she added.