The Chartered Institute of Project Managers of Nigeria (CIPMN) has declared that starting April 1, it will enforce mandatory certification for all project managers operating in the country.
The registrar-general of CIPMN, Henry Mbadiwe, disclosed this in Abuja after a working visit to the minister of state for industry, Sen. John Enoh.
Mbadiwe said the enforcement aims to ensure that both local and foreign professionals adhere to established project management standards.
“The law is very clear. You cannot lead any type of project within the country if you are not licensed by CIPMN. Foreign nationals wishing to practice project management in Nigeria must obtain the necessary certification from the institute,” he said.
He added that non-compliance would constitute a breach of the law, and the institute is prepared to take necessary actions to enforce the regulations.
As part of the enforcement strategy, Mbadiwe said CIPMN would intensify sensitisation efforts targeting businesses, companies, and government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
“This sensitisation has been ongoing for over two years and will now extend to more localised levels to ensure widespread compliance. The enforcement committee, already assembled and prepared, will assess the level of compliance nationwide over the next six months,” he said.
CIPMN chairman, Olabode Afolayan, underscored the importance of sensitisation in ensuring compliance, stating that while voluntary compliance would be encouraged, appropriate sanctions would be applied to those who fail to meet certification requirements.
“In preparation for the enforcement, a dedicated task force has been established to oversee compliance. It is better to carry people along than to punish them. However, we are aware that some may still not comply, and for such cases, the law will take its course,” he said.
