By Lucy Ogalue
The Chartered Institute of Project Managers of Nigeria (CIPMN) has commenced enforcement of its licensing law to improve project delivery, strengthen accountability and reduce the incidence of failed projects across Nigeria.
The Registrar-General and Chief Executive Officer of the institute, Mr Henry Mbadiwe, said this on Tuesday in Abuja during the institute’s June 2026 induction ceremony.
Mbadiwe spoke at the event where about 350 new members were admitted into the profession, marking another milestone in the institute’s efforts to strengthen project management practice nationwide.
He said the institute was transitioning into full compliance monitoring after three years of public sensitisation aimed at creating awareness of the requirements of the law.
According to him, the CIPMN Act mandates all professionals leading or delivering projects in Nigeria to possess valid licences and certifications issued by the institute.
Mbadiwe warned that individuals engaged in project delivery without appropriate licences risked sanctions, adding that enforcement would apply across both public and private sector organisations.
“You cannot hire anyone in the public or private sector to lead or deliver projects in Nigeria if they are not licensed.
“The law provides a two-year jail term for anyone delivering projects without a licence and liability also extends to organisations that engage unlicensed project managers,” he said.
According to him, chief executives and other hiring authorities would be held accountable for violations, as the law places responsibility on organisations engaging project management professionals.
Mbadiwe said the enforcement drive was designed to address Nigeria’s long-standing challenge of failed, abandoned and delayed projects that continued to affect development outcomes nationwide.
He attributed many project failures to weak leadership, inadequate planning and poor stakeholder management, emphasising that professional competence remained essential for successful project implementation.
Speaking on the theme, “Strategic Project Leadership in Complex Stakeholders’ Environment: Nigerian Context,” he urged project managers to embrace effective leadership and strategic decision-making practices.
He advised practitioners to understand Nigeria’s socio-political and cultural realities when executing projects, noting that local contexts significantly influenced project success and stakeholder acceptance.
According to him, project managers must build consensus among stakeholders, communicate effectively and proactively manage risks to achieve sustainable outcomes and minimise implementation challenges.
Mbadiwe said the three-day programme was the seventh induction exercise since the institute’s establishment, reflecting growing interest in professional project management practice nationwide.
He said the new inductees were admitted into various categories, including fellows, chartered members and licensed members, in line with the institute’s professional certification framework.
Also speaking, Chairman of the CIPMN Governing Council, Mr Olabode Afolayan, emphasised the importance of competence, professionalism and continuous learning in effective project management practice.
Afolayan said adherence to professional standards enhanced operational efficiency, strengthened accountability and improved project outcomes across organisations in both public and private sectors.
He added that competent project management enabled organisations to reduce costs, optimise resources and deliver quality outcomes without compromising established standards and stakeholder expectations.
The council chairman urged newly inducted members to uphold professionalism, integrity and ethical standards, emphasising that their conduct would shape public confidence in the profession.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Abiemwense Moru