CIPMN To Enforce Mandatory Certification For Project Managers.
The Chartered Institute of Project Managers of Nigeria (CIPMN) has announced its commitment to enforcing mandatory certification for project managers across the country, starting in 2025.
Speaking at the 2024 Annual Project Management Conference in Abuja on Monday, the institute’s Registrar, Mr Henry Mbadiwe, highlighted the importance of certified professionals in reducing the prevalence of failed and abandoned projects in Nigeria.
“Every project manager, including foreign nationals, must regularise their certifications within 12 months of commencing work in Nigeria,” Mbadiwe stated. “Non-compliance is unacceptable. Starting 2025, we will intensify enforcement to ensure that every project, regardless of the sector, is delivered by certified professionals.”
Mbadiwe explained that enforcing certification laws will enhance project execution, improve accountability, and deliver value to Nigerians across sectors such as construction, healthcare, and financial services.
The Chairman of CIPMN, Mr Olabode Afolayan, further stressed the challenges posed by unqualified individuals managing projects. He noted the significant losses in time, resources, and even lives caused by poor project management practices.
“Going around the country, you see the impact of unqualified individuals managing projects. It is evident in the poorly executed projects we encounter daily. However, with the dynamic leadership of the council, we are determined to enforce existing laws and ensure square pegs are in square holes,” Afolayan affirmed.
He also called for collaborative efforts and awareness campaigns to educate stakeholders on the importance of certification in achieving impactful project outcomes.
Other speakers at the conference underscored the critical role of professional project management in various industries. The Director of ICT at the National Pension Commission (PENCOM), Mr Michael Popoola, emphasised the importance of agile methodologies in mitigating risks and managing uncertainties.
“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,” Popoola said.
Similarly, the Head of Monitoring and Development at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Mr Tarfa Makyur, highlighted the necessity of certification 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 stated.
The conference concluded with stakeholders agreeing that fostering collaboration, enforcing certification laws, and promoting capacity-building initiatives are essential for ensuring the successful delivery of projects nationwide.
