The Chartered Institute of Project Managers of Nigeria (CIPMN) has informed both foreigners and locals managing various projects in the country that, starting January 2025, they will not be allowed to manage projects without certification and a license from the institute.
CIPMN Registrar, Mr. Henry Ifeanyi Mbadiwe, issued this warning on Monday in Abuja during the ongoing 2024 annual project management conference of the institute. He expressed disappointment over the poor level of compliance with the certification requirement by project managers, despite the law being established in 2018.
Noting that the institute will begin a clampdown on uncertified project managers after consulting with Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) of government, Mbadiwe said that the services of unqualified practitioners are responsible for the numerous failed and abandoned projects across the country.
He called on industry leaders and heads of various MDAs to align with the institute’s agenda and mandate to reduce the rate of failed and abandoned projects and deliver value for Nigeria.
“Any project manager who comes from outside Nigeria, whether the person is a foreigner or a Nigerian who has lived abroad, and is here to manage projects, the law states that within 12 months of this act being established, you must regularize your certification and licensing with the institute.
“This law was established in 2018, and it has been more than 12 months. So, every foreign national in Nigeria, regardless of the company or organization you work for, must be licensed to lead or deliver projects in Nigeria. I am calling on all employers or those who brought you in to consult or contract for them in Nigeria to comply.
“If you are a foreign national, obey the law of this country. Come and get licensed, and let us work together to build the project management sector in Nigeria, reduce the rate of failed projects, and deliver value for Nigeria.
“We have not started enforcement yet, but compliance has not been wonderful; it has not been great. However, we will take it more seriously next year. Right now, we are trying to get them to do what is right. Many of them may not comply willingly, but I assure you, I will not stop. I will go after these companies, no matter who they are,” he stated.
Speaking in the same vein, the institute’s council chairman, Chief Olabode Afolayan, lamented the difficulty in getting project managers to adhere to the law. He regretted that a significant number of lives and resources have been lost over the years due to the delivery of substandard projects nationwide.
“Certification has always been a challenge to get people to adhere strictly to the laws, but with a very dynamic council, the registrar, and people like you, we believe we will be able to get people on board to fulfill all righteousness.
“It has been really bad. We have lost lives, we have lost money, and time is equally not in our favor. But this time, we are determined. The laws are there, and we will ensure that everybody comes on board to fulfill all righteousness,” he added.
