CIPMN Moves to Tackle Project Waste, Cost Overruns

CIPMN Moves to Tackle Project Waste, Cost Overruns

…Institute pushes for higher standards, accountability in project delivery

From JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

The Chartered Institute of Project Managers of Nigeria (CIPMN) has renewed its call for higher standards, transparency, and accountability in project delivery across all sectors, as part of efforts to curb the recurring issues of project waste, cost overruns, and poor execution in the country.

Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday to mark the International Project Management Day, the Registrar-General and Chief Executive of the Institute, Henry Mbadiwe, said project management remains the bedrock of national growth and sustainable development.

The global celebration, themed “The Power Trio: Project, Leadership, and Agile,” highlights the link between structured project management, visionary leadership, and adaptability in a rapidly changing world.

Mbadiwe noted that the Institute, established by Act No. 3 of 2018, serves as the Federal Government’s regulatory body for certifying, licensing, and supervising the practice of project management nationwide.

“Our role is to ensure that every project executed within Nigeria adheres to national and international standards of quality, transparency, and sustainability. In this way, we make certain that project execution provides real value to the people of Nigeria,” he said.

He described the annual commemoration as a moment to honour men and women driving development through efficient project management, while urging both public and private institutions to align their practices with global standards.

“Projects are not only about structures and buildings; they also change lives, improve service delivery, and build lasting systems,” Mbadiwe added.

Outlining what he termed the Five C’s of Effective Project Management; Complexity, Criticality, Compliance, Culture, and Compassion, the Registrar-General said project success today requires a strategic blend of technical competence, ethical conduct, and human-centered leadership.

“People power projects, and empathy fuels productivity and harmony,” he emphasised.

Mbadiwe urged government ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) to set up Project Management Offices (PMOs) for effective oversight and performance tracking, warning that failure to do so continues to hamper Nigeria’s infrastructural progress.

“This is quite important to avoid challenges that have hindered our infrastructural progress like delays, cost overruns, and substandard delivery,” he noted.

The CIPMN boss also appealed to citizens to demand accountability from institutions and for private sector actors to embrace compliance and ethical delivery, noting that effective project governance remains the pathway to economic recovery and public trust.

Reaffirming the Institute’s commitment to professionalism, excellence, collaboration, diversity, and sustainability, Mbadiwe said:
“When projects succeed, Nigeria succeeds. We must continue to strive together to elevate project delivery, make every project count, every effort matter, and every Nigerian benefit.”

He further announced that the Institute would host its Annual Conference and 6th Induction Ceremony from December 2 to 4, 2025, bringing together policymakers, professionals, and industry leaders to share insights and celebrate new inductees.

According to him, the event will serve as a platform to deepen discussions on project governance, leadership, and innovation within Nigeria’s evolving development landscape.
“We call on all government institutions, private organisations, and development partners to join hands with CIPMN in promoting the professional practice of project management in Nigeria,” he said.