By Lucy Ogalue
The Chartered Institute of Project Managers of Nigeria (CIPMN) says effective April 1, it would commence enforcement of mandatory certification for all project managers operating within the country.
The Registrar-General of CIPMN, Mr Henry Mbadiwe, said this after a working visit by his team to the Minister of State for Industry, Sen. John Enoh on Monday in Abuja.
Mbadiwe said that the move was aimed at ensuring that both local and foreign professionals adhered to established standards in project management.
He said that the enforcement aligned with the institute’s mandate to regulate and supervise project management practices in Nigeria.
“The law is very clear. You can not lead any type of project within the country if you are not licensed by the CIPMN.
“Foreign nationals wishing to practice project management in Nigeria must obtain the necessary certification from the institute,” he said.
According to the registrar-general, non-compliance constitutes a breach of the law, and the institute is prepared to take necessary actions to enforce these regulations.
“The enforcement strategy will include continued sensitisation efforts targeting local businesses, companies, and various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
” This sensitisation has been ongoing for over two years and will now extend to more localised levels to ensure widespread compliance.
“The enforcement committee, assembled and prepared, will assess the level of compliance nationwide over the next six months.
“This initiative underscores CIPMN’s commitment to enhancing project management standards and reducing the incidences of failed and abandoned projects across Nigeria,”he said.
Earlier, the Chairman of CIPMN, Olabode Afolayan, emphasised the importance of sensitisation to carrying people along and ensuring compliance with the law.
Afolayan said that the newly inaugurated council was committed to taking immediate action to uphold professional standards in project management.
“In preparation for the enforcement, a dedicated task force has been established to oversee compliance.
“While the initial focus will be on encouraging voluntary compliance through continued sensitisation efforts, appropriate sanctions will be applied to those who fail to adhere to the certification requirements.
“It is better to carry people along than to get them punished. Even though we are quite aware that some people will still not do the right thing, but the laws are there,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the CIPMN, established in 2018, is the regulatory body responsible for overseeing project management practices in Nigeria.
Its mandate includes licensing, certifying, and, when necessary, withdrawing licenses of project managers to ensure adherence to professional standards.
(NAN)