Nigeria risks losing the benefits of investments in infrastructure and industrial development unless project management standards improve, the Chartered Institute of Project Managers of Nigeria (CIPMN) has warned.
The institute said stronger accountability, professional training and effective project supervision were needed to reduce waste and prevent abandoned projects.
CIPMN Registrar-General and Chief Executive Officer, Henry Ifeanyi Mbadiwe, spoke at the National Industrial Manpower Summit 2026 held at the State House Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The summit focused on unlocking Nigeria’s human capital for industrial transformation through skills development, innovation and prosperity.
Mbadiwe said project management was more than an administrative function, describing it as essential to translating development plans and financial investments into tangible results.
He warned that poor project delivery could undermine the resources committed to infrastructure and industrial growth.
“When project delivery is anchored on standardised practices, transparency and accountability, it will eliminate resource wastage, reduce project abandonment and maximise the return on human capital investment,” he said.
Mbadiwe identified professional training, certification and regulatory oversight as key measures for improving project delivery across public and private institutions.
He urged government agencies, businesses and educational institutions to work with CIPMN to strengthen professional standards.
Established under the Chartered Institute of Project Managers of Nigeria Act No. 3 of 2018, the institute operates under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment.
Its responsibilities include licensing, certification, regulation, training and professional standardisation.
Mbadiwe said improved project management would help ensure that investments in infrastructure, industry and human capital deliver lasting economic and social benefits.