Project Managers’ Institute Demands Governance Reforms For Economic Growth

The Chartered Institute of Project Managers of Nigeria (CIPMN) has called for deeper governance reforms and institutional accountability to accelerate Nigeria’s economic transformation, saying effective project management remains central to unlocking infrastructure growth, job creation, and service efficiency across sectors.

Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja to mark the 2025 International Project Management Day, themed “The Power Trio: Project, Leadership, and Agile,” the registrar-general of CIPMN, Henry Mbadiwe, said the event underscores the crucial link between visionary leadership, structured execution, and adaptive agility in achieving national development goals.

“The theme emphasises the dynamic relationship between effective project management, visionary leadership and the agility required to adapt in an ever-revolving world.
It challenges institutions, project professionals, and policymakers to build synergy between structure and flexibility, ensuring that leadership decisions translate into impactful project outcomes,” he said.

Mbadiwe explained that the International Project Management Day, established in 2004 by the International Institute for Learning (IIL), celebrates professionals who drive national and global development through efficient project delivery.

Highlighting CIPMN’s statutory mandate, he noted that the Institute was established by Act No. 3 of 2018 to regulate, certify, license, and supervise project management practice across all sectors of the economy.

“Our role is to ensure that every project executed within Nigeria, whether public or private, adheres to national and international standards of quality, transparency, and sustainability. It is in this way that we make certain that project execution provides real value to the people of Nigeria,” he stated.

He said behind every successful national initiative lies a well-managed project—be it in infrastructure, education, healthcare, or technology, and the strength of a country’s project management systems ultimately determines its pace of development.

“At CIPMN, we believe that it is the strength of project management systems that will ensure development in Nigeria; hence, we foster professionalism, ethical standards, and institutional accountability at all levels,” he said.

Mbadiwe identified what he called the “Five C’s” of effective project management—Complexity, Criticality, Compliance, Culture, and Compassion—saying they form the foundation of CIPMN’s drive toward project excellence.

“Today, project success is based on more than technical competencies. It requires a strategic balance of understanding complexity, recognising project criticality, ensuring compliance, fostering the right culture, and showing compassion—because people power projects, and empathy fuels productivity and harmony.”

He urged citizens, public institutions, and private organisations to recognise project management as a strategic tool for governance and economic reform.

“Projects are not only about structures and buildings; they also change lives, improve service delivery, and build lasting systems. Public institutions must set up project management offices, train and certify officers, and ensure that all are licensed under CIPMN standards,” he said.

He added that project management awareness among citizens would strengthen accountability and value-for-money culture, while private firms must embrace compliance, ethical delivery, and performance-driven outcomes.

On current initiatives, Mbadiwe said CIPMN continues to collaborate with Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to institutionalise project management offices that promote transparency and quality assurance in project delivery.

“This is critical to overcoming challenges that have hindered Nigeria’s infrastructural progress such as delays, cost overruns, and substandard delivery,” he said.

Reaffirming CIPMN’s commitment to professionalism, excellence, collaboration, diversity, and sustainability, the registrar-general said these values guide the Institute’s regulatory agenda and capacity-building efforts.

“We call on all government institutions, private organisations, and development partners to join hands with CIPMN in promoting the professional practice of project management in Nigeria,” he said.

He announced that the Institute will hold its Annual Conference and 6th Induction Ceremony from December 2–4, 2025, bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, and professionals to exchange insights and strengthen Nigeria’s project governance landscape.

“This conference will provide a strategic platform to deepen discussions on project governance, leadership, and innovation in Nigeria’s evolving development space,” he added.

Mbadiwe further commended project managers nationwide for their contributions to national development, saying project management remains a key driver of economic transformation.

“Project management is not just a technical process; it is a key driver of national transformation. When projects succeed, Nigeria succeeds. Let us continue to strive together for standards that elevate project delivery to make every project count, every effort matter, and every Nigerian benefit,” he added.