Segun Ayinde, Abeokuta
The Ogun State chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS) has urged Governor Dapo Abiodun to prioritize the engagement of indigenous quantity surveyors in the execution of developmental projects across the state.
The call was made by the state chapter chairman, Qs. Solomon Ojo, during an exclusive interview on Friday. He emphasized the importance of involving local professionals—either within the civil service or as external consultants—in key infrastructure projects such as schools, roads, railways, and airports.
According to Ojo, “We urge His Excellency to give preference to indigenous quantity surveyors. In our state chapter, we will appreciate if the governor works through the commissioners for housing and works to recommend seasoned professionals. Instead of outsourcing, let the government tap into the pool of qualified surveyors we have here in Ogun State.”
He lamented that many major construction projects in the state were being handled by firms from outside the state, despite the availability of competent local experts.
Ojo also appealed to the governor to mandate chairmen of the 20 local government areas in the state to employ quantity surveyors in their councils. He said doing so would ensure cost-effective management of resources and promote the delivery of quality, grassroots-oriented projects.
“We have 20 local government areas. If each has at least one quantity surveyor, that’s 20 professionals ensuring the government gets value for every naira spent,” he said.
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He decried the current dominance of non-construction professionals in the procurement departments of key ministries, especially the Ministry of Works, stressing that procurement should be handled by those trained in cost and project management.
“In procurement, we are seeing professionals unrelated to the construction industry taking charge. This undermines the efficiency and value of the projects being executed,” he noted.
Ojo also appealed for a rebate on the land recently allocated by the government for the institute’s state secretariat, citing the non-profit nature of the organization.
“While we appreciate the land allocation, the cost is quite high. We ask that the government consider our status as a non-profit professional body and grant us a substantial rebate to help us realize our dream of building a befitting secretariat,” he added.