Quantity surveyors want reduction of cost of building materials

He said that the cost of construction in Nigeria is one of the highest in the world, adding that construction projects in Nigeria have become one of the bastions of corruption and conduit pipes for siphoning away public funds.  “This is particularly prominent in roads, bridges and other civil engineering     infrastructure projects.  Quantity surveyors […]

He said that the cost of construction in Nigeria is one of the highest in the world, adding that construction projects in Nigeria have become one of the bastions of corruption and conduit pipes for siphoning away public funds.  
“This is particularly prominent in roads, bridges and other civil engineering     infrastructure projects.  Quantity surveyors are always side-lined so that this can thrive.  The use of quantity surveyors on such projects will promote Value-for-Money and efficient  allocation and management of our national resources,” he said.
Dikko said that the current envelop system of national budgeting is inefficient and allows corruption to fester and gives rooms for areas of need to be starved of fund.
“While some other areas are awash with fund which they do not need and  these unused     funds ultimately go into private pockets.  Budgets should also capture funds which ministries and MDA’s receive from foreign donors and  multi-lateral  agencies to avoid instances where such funds are not accounted  to government.  There should be realistic and professional estimate for  capital project before they are included in the budget to prevent the current  practice of wild guessing.  Quantity surveyors are professionally trained to  provide professionally realistic estimate of capital projects for budgetary  purposes.”
“There is a need to promote ethics in all areas of our national life.  This will  discourage corrupt practices among Nigerians. Ethics among professionals, employers, employees, businessmen, traders and artisans should be an  important component of our societal ethics.   On our part, we shall ensure the  promotion of professional ethics and conduct among registered quantity surveyors,” he said.