A prominent political stakeholder and project management expert in Imo state, Dr. Ejike Lucky Chukwu, has emphasized the need for effective regulation of project management practices in Nigeria. This, he believes, is crucial to ensure sustainable infrastructure development and prevent the premature deterioration of public facilities. Chukwu, the 2019 African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in Imo state, made this call at the 8th annual induction and conference of the Chartered Institute of Project Managers of Nigeria (CIPMN) in Abuja.
Chukwu stressed that Nigeria must adopt professional project management standards to ensure infrastructure projects meet international standards, deliver value for money, and stand the test of time. He noted that poor project execution has contributed to the failure of several infrastructure projects across the country. According to him, a regulatory body is necessary to enforce professional standards in project management practices.
The expert acknowledged the challenges facing Nigeria's infrastructure sector but observed that construction practices have witnessed some changes under the present administration. He cited the adoption of concrete technology in highway construction by the Federal Ministry of Works as a positive development. Chukwu noted that roads constructed using concrete technology can last more than 50 years if properly executed and maintained.
Chukwu urged project management professionals to deploy their expertise in ensuring that infrastructure projects across the country attain internationally recognized standards of quality and durability. He emphasized that effective project planning, execution, supervision, and monitoring are essential to delivering sustainable infrastructure and ensuring that public investments provide lasting value to Nigerians.
The call for effective regulation of project management practices comes as Nigeria continues to grapple with the challenges of infrastructure development. The country's infrastructure deficit is a major concern, with many public facilities, including roads and buildings, deteriorating prematurely due to poor construction practices.
Chukwu's advocacy for professional project management standards is shared by many experts in the field. They argue that the adoption of international standards and best practices in project management is crucial to ensuring that infrastructure projects deliver value for money and stand the test of time. This, they believe, can be achieved through effective regulation and enforcement of professional standards.
The 8th annual induction and conference of the Chartered Institute of Project Managers of Nigeria (CIPMN) in Abuja provided a platform for experts to discuss the challenges facing Nigeria's infrastructure sector and the need for effective project management practices. The conference also highlighted the importance of collaboration between stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector organizations, and professional bodies, to ensure sustainable infrastructure development in Nigeria.
Key points
- Dr. Ejike Lucky Chukwu calls for effective regulation of project management practices to ensure sustainable infrastructure development in Nigeria.
- Nigeria must adopt professional project management standards to ensure infrastructure projects meet international standards and deliver value for money.
- Effective project planning, execution, supervision, and monitoring are essential to delivering sustainable infrastructure and ensuring public investments provide lasting value to Nigerians.
