Dr Aminu Bashir has been elected as the new president of the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors in Abuja. In his acceptance speech, he outlined a reform agenda to enhance the institute's relevance and professional impact. Key priorities include advocacy efforts, capacity building, and completing a cost data bank.
The election of Dr Aminu Bashir as president of the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS) took place during an investiture ceremony in Abuja. Delivering his acceptance speech, Bashir emphasized that the new National Executive Council would pursue reform-driven programs aligned with his manifesto and the profession's needs.
At the forefront of his agenda is a strategy for advocacy and collaboration with government ministries, departments, agencies, regulators, and corporate organizations. This aims to increase NIQS visibility, secure consultancy opportunities, and improve members' roles in public and private procurement processes.
Bashir announced expansions in capacity development, including specialized training in MEP/HVAC systems, highways and rail infrastructure, marine and coastal works, and oil and gas sectors. The council plans to form memoranda of understanding with firms to provide internship placements for young quantity surveyors nationwide.
Following an Annual General Meeting resolution, NIQS will invest in real estate assets to generate sustainable income, targeting properties in high-value locations. Bashir stated, “We shall increase our asset base by investing in landed properties and viable projects in locations with appreciable value.”
Revitalizing the NIQS secretariat is another focus, involving a full audit, filling vacant positions, digitalizing operations, launching a unified member portal, and shifting to solar power for cost savings. To promote inclusive governance, a Constitution Review Consultative Committee will be established with representatives from all six geopolitical zones to gather inputs on reforms for better corporate governance and modernization.
The council will finalize the institute's strategic action plan review and update other documents to meet international standards. Efforts to rebuild public perception include sustaining the rebranding initiative and integrating it into the strategic plan.
Bashir committed to completing the long-awaited NIQS Cost Data Bank, essential for cost planning, budgeting, and monitoring national capital projects. In partnership with the Quantity Surveyors Academy, training will expand in digital cost management, data analytics, sustainability, green buildings, carbon assessment, and energy audits.
To draw talent, the NIQS President’s Award will honor top graduating quantity surveying students across tertiary institutions in the six zones. Academic members will gain support for international publications and conferences to foster research and global visibility. Plans include pursuing new reciprocity agreements with international bodies to export Nigerian expertise and earn foreign exchange.
The institute will continue recognizing past leaders for their contributions. The Kano State Government, via Commissioner Ibrahim Waiya, hailed Bashir's election as historic, noting he is the first indigene from the state to lead NIQS, bringing pride to its citizens.