The Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS) has called for collaboration with the private sector to promote excellence in quantity surveying, and growth in the nation’s infrastructure.
NIQS President, Kene Nzekwe, who spoke at a dinner in honour of esteemed sponsors and partners, said their continued collaboration would facilitate the implementation of the groundbreaking Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund established by President Bola Tinubu.
According to him, the fund represents a bold and visionary initiative aimed at catalysing effective infrastructure development across pivotal areas such as agriculture, transportation, ports, aviation, energy, healthcare, and education.
“The objectives of this fund are ambitious yet attainable. It seeks to establish an innovative infrastructure investment vehicle that will attract and consolidate capital, serving as a dynamic driver for economic advancement. It is no hyperbole to say that quantity surveyors and their expertise would be invaluable to the proper execution of this novel vision.
While commending the leaders in the construction industry for their unwavering support and commitment, Nzekwe said: “Thus, it is also no exaggeration to say that your continued support is directly connected and crucial to the commitment of the Federal Government to address the infrastructure deficit and unlock the full potential of our nation.
“It has facilitated research initiatives that drive innovation and best practices in quantity surveying, ultimately leading to more efficient and sustainable infrastructure projects. But beyond the professional development aspect, your support has also allowed us to engage in activities aimed at nurturing the next generation of quantity surveyors.”
He noted the role of quantity surveyors in infrastructural development is crucial for economic prosperity and societal well-being. “You can equate us to custodians of efficiency, who ensure that projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest standards of quality,” he said.
The Chairman of the occasion and past president of the institute, Agele Aufohai, said that Nigeria like other nations continues to face the challenges of extracting maximum value from investment in public infrastructure and other construction projects.
“This is more critical in this part of the world given the acute scarcity of resources. As the economy develops in the private sector, and we yearn for more domestic and international investment, issues around cost control, project management, dispute avoidance and timely delivery of projects acquire greater importance.
“With your support, as a professional organisation that continually strives to improve standards, we have developed our capacity to design cutting-edge courses in cost information, tendering processes, and competitive bidding, as well as delivering value to both contractors and clients in the public and private sectors,” he said. Aufohai noted that by leveraging collective expertise, resources, and networks, “we can unlock even greater possibilities for our shared future.”
