By Gabriel Ameh
The Registrar General and Chief Executive Officer of the Chartered Institute of Project Managers of Nigeria (CIPMN), Henry Ifeanyi Mbadiwe, has called for stronger professional standards in project management, warning that poor project delivery can undermine investments, waste resources and slow Nigeria’s industrial development.
Mbadiwe made the call at the National Industrial Manpower Summit 2026, held at the State House Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The summit was themed “Unlocking Nigeria’s Human Capital for Industrial Transformation: Building Skills, Driving Innovation and Creating Prosperity.”
He said Nigeria’s ability to achieve sustainable economic growth depends partly on the effective execution of projects, a skilled workforce and strict adherence to recognised professional standards.
According to him, project management extends beyond administrative duties, playing a critical role in infrastructure development, industrial expansion and the successful implementation of new ideas.
Mbadiwe stressed that investments in human capital and professional competence must be matched by stronger accountability and standardised project delivery practices across public and private sector institutions.
“When project delivery is anchored on standardised practices, transparency and accountability, it will eliminate resource wastage, reduce project abandonment and maximise the return on human capital investment,” he said.
CIPMN SEEKS STRONGER PROFESSIONAL REGULATION
The CIPMN chief executive said the institute focuses on licensing and certification, regulation and supervision, training, and professional standardisation.
He explained that these measures are intended to strengthen practitioners’ competence, promote ethical conduct and equip project managers with the skills needed to deliver projects effectively.
Mbadiwe also described the institute as a federal government agency under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment.
According to the statement, CIPMN was established under the Chartered Institute of Project Managers of Nigeria Act No. 3 of 2018, published in Gazette No. 15, Volume 105, and signed into law by former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The institute’s stated vision is to build a more sustainable future for Nigeria through the professionalisation of project management.
CALL FOR GOVERNMENT AND PRIVATE-SECTOR COLLABORATION
Mbadiwe said CIPMN would continue to work with government agencies, private-sector organisations and educational institutions to promote effective project management and support sustainable national development.
He urged project managers, businesses and public-sector institutions to comply with applicable statutory requirements and professional guidelines.
He maintained that stronger institutional collaboration, professional competence and accountability were necessary to improve resource utilisation and ensure that development investments delivered lasting economic and social benefits.
The call comes amid continuing public concern about the effective use of resources allocated to infrastructure and other development projects.
For Nigeria, stronger project planning, implementation and monitoring could help institutions identify risks earlier, improve accountability and deliver better value from public and private investments.
However, the impact of professional standards will depend on effective enforcement, competent personnel and consistent oversight throughout the project cycle.
SOURCE: Chartered Institute of Project Managers of Nigeria (CIPMN), press release issued by Edeaghe Benjamin, Head of Press and Public Relations Unit.
