By John Alechenu

Vice President Kashim Shettima has said the era of inflated contracts under the guise of veriation as well as professional misconduct in public procurement especially in the built industry is over.

Shettima said this while addressing Surveyors and other stakeholders during the 2025 Biannual General Meeting and Conference of the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS), in Abuja, on Wednesday.

He said, “You are professionals entrusted with ensuring cost management to reduce wastage and ensure accountability and quality service delivery, we can’t afford inflated contracts under the guise of variation, we can’t afford professional misconduct.” This, he said, was important so as to restore confidence in our economy. .

The Vice President who was represented at the event by a Special Adviser in the Presidency, Dr. Tope Fasua, noted that as professionals saddled with the responsibility of ensuring the nation gets value for money spent, it behooves on the institute to ensure strict compliance with ethical standards among its members.

He charged members of the institute to work with other professionals in the field to improve the quality of projects in such a way that would attract investments into the economy.

Earlier, the President of the NIQS, Kene Nzekwe, in his address of welcome said the theme of this year’s event : Rebuilding Nigeria: Engancing National Development Through Fiscal Reforms, Infrastructure Planning & the New Governance Imperatives”, was carefully chosen to align with current efforts to diversify Nigeria’s economy.

Nzekwe said, “The theme of this conference is both timely and relevant. Timelybecause of Nigeria’s current challenges such as the present economic challenges, infrastructure gaps, and governance issues, making fiscal reforms and infrastructure planning crucial. Similarly, the topic aligns with global trends in sustainable development, infrastructure investment, and governance reforms.

“As we all know, the Nigerian economy has been characterized by uncertainty, volatility, and turbulence in recent years. The country stands at a critical juncture, seeking to diversify its economy, improve infrastructure, and enhance governance.

“As quantity surveyors, we play a pivotal role in shaping the built environment and driving national development. Fiscal reforms are crucial for Nigeria’s economic growth.

“Our expertise in cost management, procurement, and project delivery can promote transparency, accountability, and value for money in public spending.

“Also, Infrastructure planning is vital for Nigeria’s development. Our skills can help deliver quality infrastructure, stimulate economic growth, and improve living standards.

“Therefore, relating the new governance imperative with fiscal reforms and infrastructure planning requires innovative approaches from professionals with the view to promote best practices and sustainable development.

The NIQS President further explained that the development and growth of any country is highly dependent on her level of infrastructure development and the commitment of the leadership to continue to ensure infrastructure delivery.

He commended President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shetima for directing Nigeria towards a cleaner tax system which will generate more funds for Infrastructure development.

Nigeria he said is already “turning the corner” with far reaching macro-fiscal reforms that will enable more fiscal resources to be invested in critical sectors such as Infrastructure to improve the lives of its citizens.

“Sustaining these reforms, expanding, and scaling up social protection for the poor and vulnerable is critical to putting the economy back on track. As a result, this conference is a call to action.” He added.