By AL-Kadriyar Abdullahi
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) and the Chartered Institute of Project Managers of Nigeria (CIPMN) have intensified advocacy for mandatory licensing and professional compliance in project management practice through a public awareness walk held in Abuja.
The initiative is aimed at promoting high ethical standards, accountability, and adherence to regulatory requirements in project management across both the public and private sectors.
The awareness walk, organised jointly by the two agencies, sought to sensitise stakeholders and the general public on the importance of engaging only certified and licensed project management professionals for projects nationwide.
During the exercise, the NOA deployed its Public Outdoor Van to support the campaign by educating residents on the registration process for aspiring professionals. Officials and volunteers also distributed Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials to passersby and residents along the route.
Speaking during the event, the Chairman of the CIPMN Council, Chief Olabode Afolayan, said the campaign was designed to create awareness on the enforcement of project management licensing in Nigeria.
He stressed the need for only certified and licensed professionals to handle projects in order to strengthen accountability, professionalism, and effective project delivery.
Also addressing participants, the Registrar-General and Chief Executive Officer of CIPMN, Henry Mbadiwe, reiterated that licensing remains mandatory for all individuals involved in managing or teaching project management, irrespective of other certifications obtained.
According to him, anyone found practising project management without a valid licence risks a two-year jail term in line with existing regulations.
The awareness walk commenced from the Old Federal Secretariat in Abuja and moved through Areas 3, 7, 8, 10 and 11, extending to the Central Area before terminating at the Federal Secretariat in the Central Business District.
The campaign forms part of ongoing efforts by both organisations to deepen professionalism in project management practice and ensure improved standards in project execution across the country.
