The Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS) has ushered in new leadership with the inauguration of Dr Aminu Bashir as its 28th president during a prestigious investiture ceremony held recently in Abuja.
Ambitious Reform Agenda for Professional Excellence
In his acceptance speech immediately following the ceremony, Dr Bashir outlined a comprehensive reform agenda designed to reposition the institute for greater relevance and national impact. The newly elected president emphasized that his National Executive Council (NEC) would prioritize reform-driven programs reflecting both his electoral manifesto and the profession's urgent needs.
Among the key priorities is a coordinated advocacy strategy targeting government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), regulators, and major corporate organizations. This initiative aims to enhance NIQS visibility, unlock consultancy opportunities, and strengthen member participation in both public and private sector procurement processes.
Capacity Development and Infrastructure Modernization
Dr Bashir announced extensive plans for capacity development, including sector-specific training in MEP/HVAC systems, highways and rail infrastructure, marine and coastal works, and oil and gas sectors. The council will pursue memoranda of understanding with specialist firms to secure internship placements for young quantity surveyors nationwide.
Following a resolution from the Annual General Meeting (AGM), the institute will begin investing in real estate assets to build sustainable income streams. "We shall increase our asset base by investing in landed properties and viable projects in locations with appreciable value," Dr Bashir affirmed.
The revitalization of the NIQS secretariat forms another crucial component of the agenda, featuring:
- Comprehensive audit of operations
- Recruitment to fill vacant positions
- Digitalization of institute processes
- Introduction of unified member portal
- Implementation of policy-consultation platform
- Transition to solar power to reduce operational costs
Strengthening Governance and International Presence
To ensure inclusive governance, Dr Bashir announced the creation of a Constitution Review Consultative Committee (CRCC) with representation from all geopolitical zones. This committee will collate member inputs on reforms to strengthen corporate governance, modernize processes, and reflect evolving industry realities.
The NEC will also conclude the review of the institute's strategic action plan and upgrade other corporate documents to align with international best practices.
Rebuilding public perception of the profession remains a priority, with Dr Bashir pledging to sustain and deepen the NIQS rebranding agenda. He reiterated the institute's commitment to completing the long-awaited NIQS Cost Data Bank, describing it as vital to cost planning, budgeting, and monitoring of national capital projects.
In collaboration with Quantity Surveyors Academy, the institute will scale up bespoke professional training in:
- Digital cost management
- Data analytics
- Sustainability and green buildings
- Carbon assessment and energy audits
To attract top talent, the NEC will introduce the NIQS President's Award for Best Graduating Quantity Surveying Students across tertiary institutions in all six geopolitical zones. Academic members will receive support for international publications and conferences to encourage groundbreaking research and global visibility for Nigerian quantity surveyors.
Dr Bashir also disclosed plans to pursue new reciprocity agreements with international bodies, leveraging existing ones to export Nigerian QS expertise and boost foreign exchange earnings. He pledged continuous recognition of the institute's past leaders and elders, noting their experience remains vital to shaping a stronger future for the profession.
The ceremony was attended by several past presidents of NIQS, including Olayemi Shonubi, Joseph Ajanlekoko, immediate past president Kene C. Nzekwe, Dr Mohammed Abba Tor, and Obafemi Onashile.
Meanwhile, the Kano State Government, in a statement signed by Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs Ibrahim Waiya, described Dr Bashir's emergence as the first Kano indigene to lead this foremost national professional body as both historic and heartwarming, noting it represents "a moment of pride and celebration for all well-meaning citizens of the state."
