The Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors has cautioned professionals in the construction industry against engaging in practices beyond their competence, warning that anyone found guilty of unethical conduct or quackery risks deregistration.
The President of NIQS, Kene Nzekwe, issued the warning during a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday as part of activities marking the 31st NIQS Biennial General Meeting. He emphasized that professionalism and competence are non-negotiable in construction practice.
“It doesn’t matter if you are educated. So long as you are not trained to do it, it is still quackery,” Nzekwe said. “Except if you are trained and have the competence, that is when you are fit and proper to carry out that responsibility.”
Nzekwe explained that any professional found guilty of unethical conduct would be reported to the Quantity Surveyors Registration Board of Nigeria for possible deregistration.
“Once anybody is established to be involved in any kind of infraction, I can assure you one of the things that will be done is deregistration. Every unethical practice is viewed as a very serious infraction,” he said.
He noted that maintaining professional standards is a key priority for the Institute, adding that no member would be allowed to engage in unethical behaviour without facing disciplinary action.
“Issues of infractions, we take very seriously. Nobody can get away with any act of infraction or unethical practice. We will report such individuals to QSRBN, which has the authority to confiscate their licenses,” he stated.
The NIQS president also lamented the lack of a standardized national building code, describing it as a major challenge to the construction sector.
“Part of what we have identified is the absence of a uniform standard in the industry. As I speak, even the building code that should guide professionals is not yet a legal document in Nigeria,” he said.
Nzekwe called for stronger collaboration with government agencies and other stakeholders to promote professionalism and curb the menace of unqualified practitioners.
“One way we can do that, and we are doing it as an institute, is to continue to engage stakeholders, especially in government. We must keep interrogating the processes to ensure professionalism,” he added.
On the issue of professional encroachment, he appealed to the media to join in creating awareness and exposing individuals practicing without proper training.
“The issue of encroachment is one that requires media support. We need to be rescued from the web of people trying to do what they are not trained to do,” Nzekwe said.
Speaking on the rising cost of construction and housing, the NIQS president attributed the situation to recent government economic policies, including the floating and devaluation of the naira.
“No doubt, policies such as the floating of the naira have had a serious impact on the construction industry. Things have continued to go up by way of hyperinflation as a result of those policies,” he said.
Nzekwe reaffirmed the Institute’s commitment to maintaining ethical standards, ensuring professional integrity, and safeguarding the public from the risks posed by unqualified builders in the construction sector.
