NIQS seeks relevance in national development

Members of the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors, (NIQS) has called for its recognition as key actors in the nation’s economic and infrastructural development.Chairman, Lagos chapter of the body, Bamidele Mafimidiwo , who disclosed this at a briefing to herald the chapter’s 10th anniversary of its annual distinguished lecture, regretted the relegation of the profession in the scheme of things, especially in construction and infrastructural development.

The lecture expected to hold in Muson Centre, Lagos is themed :“Repositioning the Nigeria Industries For Economic Growth and Development: Construction Sector Viewpoint”.He stressed that the yearly lecture was meant to position the institute to play critical role in the affairs of the country as well as protect the image of the profession.

Mafimidiwo, said Nigeria industries have not been performing optimally over the years with resultant effect of little contribution to the country Gross Development Product (GDP). The poor contribution of the industries to Nigeria GDP is part of what resulted to economic recession in the last two years.

According to him, although, the statistics recently released by National Bureau of Statistics indicated that Nigeria has come out of economic recession. “The negative impact of recession to Nigeria economic growth and development in general and the industries in particular is enormous. Why are Nigeria industries not performing optimally despite the country’s huge population which should be our advantage?”, he asked.He said the theme has been carefully selected to critically examine the state of our industries and proffer solutions to problems inhibiting their growth and development with emphasis on Construction Industry.

Speaking, the initiator of the lecture and former chairman of the chapter, Jide Oke said the lecture has lived up to its objective, expressed hope that it will continue to be a rallying point as members of the profession cannot continue to bystanders in the affairs and development of the country.The first edition of this programme was held in 2009 with the theme: Global Financial Crisis and Nigerian Economy- The Real Sector Perspective with Prof. Pat Utomi as the Keynote Speaker has since witnessed 8 other editions held with varying themes.

The themes as Banking Sector Reforms, Aftermaths, And Effects On Infrastructure Financing In Nigeria and Insurance Act 2003 and the Construction Sector: Providing the Right Cover for the Mandatory Risks.The theme for the last edition was “Foreign Exchange Problems, Prospects and Solutions in Nigeria: Construction Industry Perspectives”. Mr Henry Olujimi Boyo was the Keynote Speaker.

The keynote speaker is Mr Olukayode Pitan (Managing Director/CEO of Bank of Industry Limited). Other Guest Speakers include Mr Muda Yusuf (Director General, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry); Nasiru Dantata (President, Federation of Construction Industry); Mr Wole Adesanya, FNIQS (Principal Partner, Adesanya & Partners).

The event is expected to be graced by professionals drawn from the Construction/ Real Estate Sector, Manufacturers of Building Materials, active players from the business community and general public.