By Omoniyi David
The Chartered Institute of Project Managers of Nigeria (CIPMN), has entered into a partnership with the Federal Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs to train civil servants across the country in project management, beginning with the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The initiative was unveiled in Abuja when CIPMN’s Registrar-General, Henry Ifeanyi Mbadiwe, led a delegation to confer fellowship awards on the Minister of Special Duties, Hon. Zaphaniah Jisalo, and the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Onwusoro Maduka Ihemelandu.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister, Ihemelandu said the training would enhance civil servants’ capacity to manage and deliver projects more effectively.
“We can upscale project management across the 774 local government areas of Nigeria, starting from the FCT,” he stated.
According to him, the programme will be implemented in phases, beginning with federal and state permanent secretaries, followed by directors, and then other categories of civil servants nationwide.
He added that the Ministry would also engage states and local governments through the Institute.
Ihemelandu urged CIPMN to convene a stakeholder forum to bring ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), on board, citing persistent challenges in project execution.
“Most of the problems we have relate to cost management due to Nigeria’s volatile economy. Then, there is also the question of quality assurance in materials used for projects,” he said.
He further called for collaboration with professional bodies such as the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply Management, and the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), to strengthen the training.
Earlier, Mbadiwe said the partnership aligns with CIPMN’s mandate to promote effective project management across the country.
“The Institute is committed to ensuring its mandate is fulfilled for the overall good of the nation,” he said, adding that the fellowship awards symbolised the beginning of a strategic relationship in line with the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
