The Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS) has highlighted the importance of quantity surveyors in ensuring transparency and accountability in the oil and gas industry.

Speaking at its 33rd Engineering workshop in Lagos, Chairman of the NIQS Lagos chapter, Rilwan Balogun, stressed the importance of quantity surveyors’ involvement in the oil and gas sector. He stated that the workshop was part of the institute’s tradition to diversify its members’ skills beyond building construction.

He said, “We train our members to also diversify into engineering works, basically civil engineering works, mechanical engineering works, electrical works, and this time around, oil and gas.”

Emphasising the need for quantity surveyors to go into the oil and gas industry, Public Relations Secretary of NIQS Lagos Chapter, John Agbezin, said the industry’s vast scope and financial magnitude make it an attractive sector for quantity surveyors. “We need people that are trained, that have expertise, to help with various aspects of the oil and gas industry, from procurement stage.”

Sharing his insight, a fellow of the institute, Wole Adesoye, said the government has taken a positive step by introducing Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), but more needs to be done to sensitise the public about its advantages.

Adesoye urged the government to ensure that the cost advantage of CNG is translated to the rest of society, particularly in the transportation sector.

Lead Cost Analyst with Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Limited, Adebayo Aweyele, said Nigeria cannot entirely shift from oil to gas. “It’s a process, and we have started it,” he said. “We don’t have enough CNG dispensing facilities and CNG producing facilities. So, it will take time.”

Aweyele agreed that CNG is a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done to make it accessible and affordable for all Nigerians.