***Honours Legacy of Profession’s Pioneer
The Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS) has renamed its National Headquarters in Abuja after former president of the institute, Segun Ajanlekoko, in recognition of his enduring contributions to the growth and development of the profession.
The Secretariat, now officially christened “QS J. Segun Ajanlekoko House,” was unveiled at a ceremony that drew top industry stakeholders, government officials, and members of the institute. The event also featured the commissioning of a 100kVA solar power project, signalling the institute’s shift toward sustainable energy solutions.
Speaking at the occasion, Ajanlekoko expressed appreciation for the honour, describing it as a collective achievement for the quantity surveying profession rather than a personal milestone.
Reflecting on the institute’s journey, he noted that from its founding in 1969, the profession has steadily grown in influence and capacity, citing the establishment of key infrastructure such as its Lagos and Abuja offices as evidence of that progress.
He also weighed in on the recurring issue of building collapse in Nigeria, distancing the profession from blame and emphasizing the role of other actors in the construction value chain.
According to him, Quantity Surveyors function primarily as cost managers and are not directly responsible for structural failures, which he attributed largely to the use of incompetent contractors or professionals handling execution.
President of the institute, Aminu Bashir, said the decision to immortalise Ajanlekoko was a deliberate recognition of his exceptional leadership and contributions to elevating the profession both within and outside Nigeria.
He described the honouree as one of the most distinguished figures in the field, whose impact continues to resonate across generations of practitioners.
Bashir also highlighted the importance of the newly commissioned solar project, noting that rising energy costs and environmental concerns made it imperative for the institute to adopt cleaner and more sustainable power alternatives.
He said the investment reflects NIQS’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint while ensuring a more reliable energy supply for its operations.
Former Governor of Cross River State, Donald Duke, who attended the event, shared insights into Ajanlekoko’s professional impact, recalling how his expertise helped the state save about ₦3 billion during the development of the Tinapa Resort.
Duke called for greater integration of Quantity Surveyors in public sector financial planning, recommending that they be involved in vetting and approving cost estimates of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies before such budgets are presented to the National Assembly.
Also speaking, former Director-General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises, Emeka Eze, described Ajanlekoko as a man defined by integrity, discipline, and professional excellence.
He urged practitioners in the field to assert their relevance more strongly in national development, noting that their expertise remains underutilised in critical areas of governance and project execution.
The ceremony not only celebrated an individual legacy but also underscored the evolving role of Quantity Surveyors in Nigeria’s infrastructure and economic development, as the profession continues to position itself as a key driver of efficiency, accountability, and sustainability in the built environment.
