The Chartered Institute of Project Managers of Nigeria has emphasized the need for strict enforcement of certification compliance among project managers in the country.
CIPMN Registrar, Henry Mbadiwe, emphasised the importance of certified project managers in lowering Nigeria’s high percentage of failed and abandoned projects during his remarks at the Annual Project Management Conference in Abuja on Monday.
“Every project manager, including foreign nationals, must regularize their certifications within 12 months of commencing work in Nigeria,” Mbadiwe stated.
He warned that non-compliance will no longer be tolerated, adding, “Starting 2025, we will intensify enforcement to ensure that every project, regardless of the sector, is delivered by certified professionals.”
According to him, enforcing certification laws will improve project execution and ensure accountability across sectors such as construction, healthcare, and financial services.
CIPMN Chairman, Olabode Afolayan, said, “When you travel around the country, you notice the impact of unqualified persons managing projects. “It is evident in the poorly executed projects we encounter on a daily basis,” he stated.
Afolayan reaffirmed the council’s determination to enforce existing laws, ensuring that only certified professionals handle project management tasks. “With the dynamic leadership of the council, we are determined to ensure square pegs are in square holes.”
Additionally, he urged cooperation and awareness-raising initiatives to inform interested parties about the value of certification, emphasising that doing so would greatly enhance project results.
Director of ICT at the National Pension Commission (PENCOM), Michael Popoola, emphasized the role of project management in mitigating risks and ensuring adaptability, particularly in the pension industry.
“Project management principles, especially agile methodologies, are essential for managing uncertainties and delivering results. Continuous upskilling and collaboration between institutions and the government are key to achieving the desired outcomes,” he noted.
Head of the Department of Monitoring and Development at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC),Tarfa Makyur, reiterated the importance of professionalism in the capital market.
“In the capital market, certification is non-negotiable. It ensures that only skilled practitioners handle critical tasks. This is vital for the Nigeria we dream of, where accountability and efficiency drive development,” Makyur said.
He also expressed SEC’s commitment to collaborating with CIPMN to advance project management standards in the country.
The conference’s stakeholders concurred that encouraging cooperation, upholding certification regulations, and supporting capacity-building programs are essential measures to guarantee project delivery success throughout Nigeria.
