Abuja: The Chartered Institute of Project Managers of Nigeria (CIPMN) has stressed the need for effective project management to address abandoned projects and promote sustainable national development in the country. The Registrar of the Membership Arm of CIPMN, Hajara Yusuf, stated this during a conference on the role of project management in governance and national development in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Yusuf emphasized that Nigeria’s challenge is not the lack of resources, but poor accountability and weak implementation structures. She noted that project management remains a strategic tool for ensuring proper supervision, accountability, and sustainability of projects across sectors. Yusuf highlighted that project managers help ensure responsibilities are clearly assigned and monitored throughout the lifespan of projects, contrasting this with the usual practice where architects, engineers, and quantity surveyors complete their assignments and move on, leaving a gap in accountability.
Yusuf also pointed out that developed countries maintain quality infrastructure through proper monitoring and maintenance culture driven by effective project management systems. She added that many nation-building programs in Nigeria failed because of poor implementation and lack of competent project managers.
Chibunmas Ubawike, National Chairman of All Registered APC North-South Progressives, identified poor monitoring and evaluation as major causes of abandoned projects in the country. He stated that proper supervision would ensure timely delivery of projects and value for public funds, emphasizing that monitoring and evaluation are key elements of project management.
Jophia Gupar expressed concern over the poor state of infrastructure in some parts of the country, attributing the problem to weak supervision and poor quality control. She suggested that involving qualified project consultants would improve quality assurance and ensure compliance with project specifications. Gupar also called on the government to support CIPMN in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
Earlier, Aisha Bagudu, represented by Mr. Sani Habib, asserted that effective project management is critical to achieving sustainable national development. She highlighted the need for proper planning, accountability, monitoring, and continuity in project execution to achieve meaningful development, noting that over 56,000 abandoned and uncompleted projects since 1999 reflected wasted resources and lost opportunities for millions of Nigerians.
Bagudu emphasized that national development should focus on projects that work, last long, and truly benefit the people. She urged project managers to uphold integrity, transparency, and accountability in project delivery, stressing that development must focus on improving the lives of citizens. Bagudu commended CIPMN for promoting professionalism and capacity building in project management across the country.