NIQS President Warns Against Unqualified Practitioners, Vows Deregistration for Ethical Violations

The President of the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS), Kene Nzekwe, has cautioned that only adequately trained and competent professionals should handle responsibilities in the construction industry, warning that those who fail to meet these standards risk deregistration.

“Education alone is not enough; without proper training and competence, practicing in this field amounts to quackery. Only trained and capable professionals are considered fit to undertake these responsibilities,” Nzekwe said.

Speaking at a press briefing ahead of the 31st NIQS Biennial General Meeting in Abuja on Wednesday, he emphasized that unethical practices would be treated as serious infractions. “Once an individual is found guilty of any misconduct, deregistration is inevitable. We will report confirmed cases to the Quantity Surveyors Registration Board of Nigeria (QSRBN), which can revoke their license and bar them from practicing in the country,” he added.

Nzekwe stressed the critical importance of assigning construction cost management duties solely to qualified professionals, saying, “You cannot entrust construction cost management to someone who lacks the proper training.”

He also highlighted systemic issues within the industry, pointing out the absence of enforceable standards. “Currently, even the building code does not constitute a fully recognized legal document in Nigeria, which presents challenges for professionals operating in the sector,” he noted.

Calling for stronger collaboration with stakeholders, particularly government bodies, Nzekwe said the institute will continue to engage policymakers to enhance professionalism. On the issue of professional encroachment, he urged media support to raise awareness and protect the industry from unqualified practitioners.

Addressing the rising cost of housing, Nzekwe linked it to economic policies, including the Naira’s floating and devaluation. “These policies have contributed to hyperinflation in the construction sector, and costs continue to escalate as a result,” he said.