Quantity surveyors seek partnership with Julius Berger to advance construction industry

The Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS) Foundation is seeking to partner with Julius Berger Nigeria Plc to advance the construction industry.

Olusegun Ajanlekoko, chairman of the board of trustees (BoT)of the NIQS Foundation, spoke during a courtesy visit to Julius Berger’s headquarters, according to a statement on Wednesday.

Ajanlekoko said the foundation’s visit was driven by the desire to foster strategic partnerships that promote excellence, professionalism, and innovation in the sector.

He said the NIQS Foundation, an initiative born from the NIQS’ 50th anniversary, was established to make a tangible impact on society.

The chairman stressed the need to engage with progressive organisations in the industry, saying Julius Berger is a natural choice for collaboration.

“We needed to go beyond the shores of our own confinement and look at how we can partner, how we can extend synergies between ourselves and those who are progressive in the industry, those who have the same vision with us, and our first point of call was Julius Berger,” the statement reads.

“So, when we looked at those who we think can have the same goal, vision and can team up with us; Julius Berger came up on the front board.”

Ajanlekoko commended the firm’s commitment to policies, sustainability, and capacity building, noting that the company’s contributions have significantly advanced Nigeria’s modernisation efforts.

“We must say that Julius Berger Nigeria Plc stands as a beacon of excellence in infrastructure development, delivering projects that have significantly contributed to the growth and modernization of Nigeria,” he said.

“Your unwavering commitment to policies, sustainability and capacity building within the construction sector is commendable and serves as an inspiration to industry stakeholders including the NIQS Foundation.

“As a foundation, we are committed to supporting initiatives that enhance capacity building, research and sustainable development in the quantity surveying profession and the construction industry at large.”

Welcoming the delegation, Abdulaziz Isa Kaita, Julius Berger’s director of administration, said the foundation’s visit serves as recognition of the company’s commitment to excellence and professionalism and reflects its steadfast dedication to the progress and development of quantity surveying in Nigeria.

He acknowledged the foundation’s efforts in fostering innovation, empowering young professionals, and upholding the highest ethical standards.

Kaita said the partnership would provide an opportunity to explore initiatives to strengthen the construction industry and support Nigeria’s infrastructural development.

‘PARTNERSHIP WILL LEAD TO CONSTRUCTION OF HIGH-QUALITY PROJECTS’

Also speaking, Celestina Eke, the director-general of the NIQS Foundation, reiterated the foundation’s mandate to drive research, enhance professional development, and create a better environment through industry collaboration.

“We express strong commitment to working together on future initiatives that promote professional development and address the challenges faced by quantity surveyors,” she said.

Eke further said the partnership is expected to contribute to the growth and advancement of the sector, ensuring the delivery of high-quality and sustainable construction projects in Nigeria.

Eke added that the collaboration will reinforce Julius Berger’s leadership in corporate social responsibility and community development.

Led by Ajanlekoko, the delegation included Celestina Eke, director-general; Osaretin Okoro, NIQSF secretary BoT; Rotimi Bola Ojelade, secretary-general of NIQS; and Okaru Joseph A, former FCT chairman, who is representing the NIQS president.

Other members were Rabiu Suleiman Yusuf, NIQSF BoT member; Ihebuzor Obinna, project manager; Tanko Lawal, learning, research, and grant writing officer; and Taofeek Adefisayo, NIQSF desk officer.

The Julius Berger delegation, led by Kaita, included Shakira Mustapha, chief risk officer; Mohammed Nasiru, human resource coordinator; Gabriel Idah, Mary Wumba, Emmanuel Isibor, and Olivia Uzoma.