The Chartered Institute of Project Managers of Nigeria (CIPMN) has issued a stern final warning to all project management training providers and practitioners in Nigeria, including the Project Management Institute (PMI) Nigeria, to comply with the CIPMN Establishment Act or face legal enforcement.
In an address delivered in Abuja, registrar-general of CIPMN, Henry Mbadiwe, said the Institute would no longer tolerate the proliferation of unaccredited project management certificates or the operation of unlicensed training centres across the country.
“This is the final call I am making to PMI Nigeria and other project management training or consulting organisations in Nigeria: do not break the law. Do not allow your members or staff to continue to break the law,” Mbadiwe said.
He disclosed that just last week, the Nigerian Police arrested a former CIPMN member, Mr. Jamilu, who had allegedly been impersonating the president of the Institute.
According to him, the suspect attempted to obstruct police investigation by invoking tribal sentiments.
“He told the IPO to let him go because they were from the same tribe,” Mbadiwe revealed. “But I thank the Nigerian Police, under the Inspector-General of Police, for standing firm. The investigation is ongoing, and we will be watching closely.”
Mbadiwe warned that project management professionals who have completed training from PMI Nigeria or any other body not accredited by CIPMN are not legally permitted to manage or lead projects in Nigeria.
“According to the law establishing the CIPMN, any certificate not approved by CIPMN, and any person not licensed by the Institute, cannot claim to be a project manager and must not lead or manage any project in Nigeria,” he said.
Mbadiwe also addressed PMI Nigeria directly.
“I will not allow you to undermine the laws of this country. The certificates you issue in Nigeria must be accredited by CIPMN, and the training centres you operate must also be recognised by us. This is not a debate—it is the law,” he said.
Elaborating on the legal framework, the registrar-general cited multiple provisions of the CIPMN Establishment Act to back his position.
He said Section 15(1a) of the Act empowers the Council to approve any training course or qualification deemed relevant for project management practice in Nigeria.
He further noted that Section 21(1) authorises the Council to make rules for training, supervision, and engagement of project management professionals. Subsection 1(f), he said, allows the Council to restrict practice rights for holders of foreign qualifications unless licensed by the Institute.
“Section 8 states that any foreign project management professional residing in Nigeria must register with CIPMN within 12 months of the commencement of the Act to be eligible to practise,” he added.
He also cited Section 9A, which prohibits the appointment of anyone to head project management functions unless they are duly registered and qualified by CIPMN, and Section 7, which requires the Council to publish approved qualifications in the Federal Government Gazette.
Mbadiwe said practising project management or holding oneself out as a CIPMN member without registration constitutes a criminal offence under Section 19(2), especially if done in expectation of reward or recognition.
“Section 20(1) further mandates that any regulation made under the Act must be published in the Federal Government Gazette and submitted to the Minister of Commerce (FMITI) at least seven days prior,” he said.
He described the current warning as the Institute’s final call to all training and consulting firms in Nigeria’s project management space to comply or face legal sanctions.
“Do not break the law. Do not allow your members or staff to continue to break the law. CIPMN will enforce this law on those who violate it. It is an offence to lead any project in Nigeria without a CIPMN licence,” Mbadiwe stated.
He warned that the Institute will begin sealing off and prosecuting defaulting organisations.
“Nigeria is not a lawless country. The National Assembly, the law enforcement agencies, the judiciary, and the Presidency exist for a reason,” he said. “In line with Mr. President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, we will carry out our legally mandated duty to regulate the project management profession for the benefit of the country, its economy, and its people—so help me God.”
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