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By Maduka Nweke
President, Nigeria Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS), Mr. Kene Nzekwe has reemphasised the prime place of quantity surveyors in executing the federal government’s infrastructure renewal agenda.
He also appreciated what he called benefactors’ support to the Institute, saying it will directly help the government to address the lingering infrastructure deficit and ultimately unlock the full economic potential of the nation in various ways.
At the dinner in honour of NIQS esteemed sponsors and partners held recently in Lagos, Nzekwe noted that in a country like Nigeria where infrastructural development was crucial for economic prosperity and societal well-being, the role of quantity surveyors cannot be overstated.
“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.
“However, none of this would be possible without the generous support of our partners and sponsors.
“Your support has enabled us to organize seminars, workshops, and training programs that empower our members with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in their profession. 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.
“Through initiatives such as mentorship programmes and training workshops, we are able to inspire and equip young professionals to become future leaders in our field.
“Moreover, your partnership with the NIQS extends beyond mere financial backing. It is a testament to your shared commitment to the advancement of our profession and the development of our nation. This continued collaboration can also be seen as one of the vehicles that could facilitate the implementation of the groundbreaking Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund established by the President. This 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 in our beloved nation.
“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 of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. “Thus, it is also no exaggeration to say that your continued support is directly connected and crucial to the commitment of the Nigerian government to address the infrastructure deficit and unlock the full potential of our nation,” he stated.
In his opening remark, the Chairman of the occasion, Mr. Agele Alufohai appreciated the gestures of the partners saying, “these awards are a symbol of our profound recognition and gratitude for the remarkable work you do and the positive change you have catalyzed through your partnership with us. We have to look back and celebrate what you have helped us achieve- the things we have accomplished together. Nigeria, like all nations to one extent or the other, 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.
“And in the private sector, as the economy develops 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 organization that continually strives to improve standards, we have developed our capacity to design cutting edge courses in cost information, tendering processes, competitive bidding etc., thus delivering value to both contractors and clients in the public and private sectors”, he said.
