Project management in Nigeria is no longer just about delivering on time and within budget. Today, it’s about something deeper, using every project as a platform for sustainable growth and empowering the communities where those projects take shape.
For professionals like Adekitan Oluwatosin Adetonye, who’s spent years leading projects in complex environments, this approach has become second nature.
With a strong foundation in Mechanical engineering from the Federal University of Technology, Minna, and an MBA from the National Open University of Nigeria, Adekitan’s career in the FMCG food and beverage industry including his current role as Project Manager at Pladis Global, has shown him how the best projects leave more behind than reports and results.
Moving Beyond the Balance Sheet
Most people measure project success by profit margins, delivery timelines, and stakeholder satisfaction. But in Nigeria’s dynamic landscape, successful projects are also those that strengthen communities, create jobs, and pave the way for long-term growth. It’s about planting seeds that outlive the project timeline.
As Adekitan puts it, “Every project should leave something behind, not just numbers on a report, but opportunities for people and improvements in how they live and work.
Local Sourcing: Empowering Nigerian Businesses
One of the most powerful ways project managers can drive local empowerment is through smart sourcing decisions.
Rather than relying solely on imported materials or foreign contractors, more project leaders are beginning to tap into local talent, manufacturers, and service providers.
The ripple effect is job creation, skill development, and economic growth that stays in-country.
But it’s not always easy. Quality standards must be upheld. Deadlines must be met. That’s where proactive project leadership comes in, investing time in vetting, training, and collaborating with local vendors to build capacity, not just fill orders.
Sustainability: A Business Imperative, Not a Buzzword
Nigeria faces pressing environmental challenges, from waste management issues to the impacts of climate change. Forward-thinking project managers now understand that sustainability isn’t an ad-on, it’s core to long-term project success.
Whether it’s reducing carbon footprints on large projects, encouraging eco-friendly packaging in manufacturing, or supporting initiatives that reduce water and energy consumption, project leaders have a unique opportunity to lead by example.
Small steps taken during project execution, like recycling programs on-site, adopting energy-efficient technologies, or supporting environmental NGOs, can create waves of change.
Training and Skill Transfer: The Hidden Legacy
It’s one thing to deliver a successful project. It’s another to leave behind a team capable of doing it again. Savvy project managers invest in developing their teams and empowering local talents with training, mentorship, and opportunities for leadership. In doing so, they’re not just building projects, they’re building futures.
Adekitan emphasizes “When local professionals are empowered with knowledge and responsibility, they rise to the occasion. You don’t just complete a project, you contribute to the ecosystem that can sustain itself long after you’ve moved on.”
Balancing Profit and Purpose
There’s no denying that businesses need profit to survive. But in Nigeria’s growing economy, those who balance profit with purpose stand out, and stand tall. Project managers are uniquely positioned to champion that balance.
Choosing local talent and suppliers when it’s possible and beneficial strengthens the economy.
Integrating sustainable practices from the start helps preserve resources for future generations.
Prioritizing transparency, trust, and community engagement turns projects into long-term investments in people and places.
So, what’s the future?
As Nigeria’s industries continue to grow and global opportunities expand, the most successful project managers will be those who understand that their role goes beyond spreadsheets and deadlines.
It’s about Impact. It’s about building trust, not just with stakeholders, but with the communities their projects touch. It’s about making sure that every milestone isn’t just a tick on a project plan but a building block for a better, more sustainable Nigeria.
The road is opening up. The potential is enormous. It’s no longer just about profit. It’s about legacy.
