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PMI Unveils New Certificate on Construction to Upskill Industry Professionals in Nigeria

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Project Management Institute (PMI), the world’s leading association for project professionals, has announced a series of seven courses, leading to the Construction Professional in Built Environment Projects (CPBEP) certification to widen skills building and education programs to meet the new demands on the industry. It is PMI’s first industry-specific solution tailored for construction professionals.

PMI created the certification in collaboration with construction industry leaders and consultations with project managers who face the twin challenges of balancing technology and talent. Both Lean Construction Institute and Construction Industry Institute were integral to developing the certification along with Saudi Aramco, U.S. Department of Energy, DPR Construction and BHP amongst others.

The construction industry, like many others, is seeing a rise in new technologies such as drones and artificial intelligence, mobile apps, cloud communication, and data management. Their adoption has meant a need for a separate set of skills to complete projects successfully. Add a diverse workforce, and a new skills landscape begins to emerge. Companies today need professionals with technical as well as power skills to navigate the changing workplace.

George Asamani, Business Development Lead, Africa, PMI, says, “We see improvement in technology adoption, but technology is just an enabler. It’s still people and their skills that are critical to improving project performance.”

In a recent survey where PMI interviewed more than 40,000 global Project Management Professional (PMP) certification holders in the construction industry it found that 70% construction projects experience scope creep, and 73% of such projects ended over budget. Moreover, it also found that 72% of construction projects often experienced  project delays.

In another research, titled “Most critical factors responsible for cost overruns in Nigeria building construction industry”, the Federal University of Technology’s Oluyemi-Ayibiowu, B.  D., Aiyewalehinmi, O. E., and Omolayo, O. J. found that cost overruns is a major problem facing the local construction industry. They opined that cost overruns led to numerous negative effects such as project delay, abandonment and poor-quality delivery.

Based on their data, six most severe factors of construction cost overrun were identified as: risk and uncertainty related factors (89.5%); lack of financial power by clients (88.5%); weak regulation and control (88.2%); project fraud and corruption (82.6%); variation of prices (81.3%) and indiscriminate change in design/works (80.1%).

It is therefore not surprising that construction, which contributes 13% to the global GDP and is the biggest, has not been performing well, having clocked only 1% annual growth over the past two decades. That’s not all; according to PMI’s Pulse of the Profession report, the sector’s wasteful expenditure sits at $127 million for every $1 billion spent on projects. This amounts to over $1.6 trillion wasted annually due to capital projects not being delivered on time or within budget.

“But this doesn’t have to be the industry’s future. With more than 50 years in the project management industry, PMI is uniquely positioned to help equip professionals with the skills needed to transform the surging industry through developing these innovative learning methods and practices,” adds Asamani.

The sector employs 7% of the world’s working population.

To be eligible for the certification, individuals need three or more years of experience as a project manager, lead or contributor in the construction / built environment. The courses can be taken in any order and present an opportunity for professionals to focus on topics they are most driven to explore. Learners can either complete individual courses and earn specific micro-credentials or complete all courses in preparation for the capstone exam.

Three of the seven courses offer micro-credentials upon completion of a post-course exam. The micro-credentials award a digital badge to show the user’s mastery of the content. Each course explores a specific area of construction project management, such as communication and risk management.

The Federal government’s plans to spend over N3,50 trillion on infrastructure and human capital development in 2022 is a clear indicator of its farsightedness. For the construction industry its work is cut out if it wants to participate meaningfully in these projects – firstly accelerate its rate of technology adoption and secondly focus on upskilling employees, particularly project managers responsible for scoping, scheduling, and budgeting.

“Construction is a demanding industry subject to the vagaries of weather, supply chain disruptions, and a host of other often uncontrollable variables. It requires a well-versed project manager to bring the work in on time and within budget,” says Asamani in conclusion.


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Ugo Onwuaso is an ICT enthusiast. He believes technology should be used for general good. He holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree from the Lagos state University. Dear Reader, Your support matters. But we believe that technology makes life more exciting and helps improve the lives of people around Nigeria and indeed the world. That is why, we have devoted our energy to independent reportage of technology and finance and how they affect lives. Our incisive and analytical view of how technology news affects the daily life help individuals and organizations make up their minds. Quality journalism costs money. Today, we're asking that you support us to do more. Kindly support our effort to deliver technology and finance journalism to everyone in the world. Donate as little as N1,000. Bank transfers can be made to: UBA Plc 1017156876 Communication Week Media Ltd

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Aero Contractors Celebrates Long-Serving Employees at Award Ceremony

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Aero Contractors recently hosted its Long Service Award Ceremony, a momentous event dedicated to honoring distinguished retirees for their exceptional service and unwavering commitment to the organization.

Aero 737.jpg

The ceremony, which celebrated loyalty and excellence, featured the presentation of recognition plaques and the disbursement of retirement benefits to the honorees. Among those celebrated were:

•Capt. Gerald Nmoka

•Stephen Kukoyi

•Promise Amadi

•Victor Aitanun

•Nwankwo Stephen N.

The management of Aero Contractors expressed profound gratitude to these outstanding individuals, whose dedication and expertise have significantly contributed to the airline’s growth and success over the years.

Speaking at the event, Aero Contractors’ Managing Director, Capt. Ado Sanusi, underscored the importance of celebrating excellence and fostering a culture of recognition within the organization. “Our retirees have exemplified the highest standards of professionalism and commitment. Their legacy will continue to inspire our team as we build a brighter future for Aero Contractors,” he stated.

As a leading airline in Nigeria, Aero Contractors remains committed to supporting its employees and creating an environment that values their contributions. This commitment reflects the company’s ongoing efforts to uphold its reputation as a trusted, value driven airline”


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NAFDAC Dismisses False Claims of Approving ‘Lung-Cleansing Tea’

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National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has refuted claims that it approved a herbal product marketed as “lung-cleansing tea” for smokers.

Mojisola Adeyeye, director-general of NAFDAC, in a statement on Saturday, December 14, clarified that the product, identified as Lungitox (Smokers Pride), was never approved and had its registration application rejected due to its unsubstantiated health claims.

“The attention of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has been drawn to a misleading video circulating on social media, alleging that NAFDAC approved the registration of a herbal product claiming that ‘smoking is healthy’ when used with their product,” the statement read.

“NAFDAC wishes to categorically state that this claim is false and completely unfounded.

“The product in question—Lung Detox Tea or Lungitox (Smokers Pride) or any similar product—is NOT registered by NAFDAC.

The unscrupulous individual behind this product had applied for registration, but the application was outrightly rejected due to the unsubstantiated and dangerous claim that smoking could be made ‘healthy’ by consuming the product.”

NAFDAC reaffirmed its commitment to protecting public health and ensuring that only safe and scientifically validated products are approved.

“NAFDAC remains steadfast in its mandate to protect public health and ensure that only safe, effective, and scientifically substantiated products are approved.

“We condemn any attempt to mislead or endanger the public with false claims.

“The public is advised to disregard this video and report any suspicious claims or products to the Agency through our official channels.”

Adeyeye provided contact information for reporting such claims, urging Nigerians to remain vigilant.

“For further inquiries or reports, please contact NAFDAC via 0800-162-3322, email [email protected], or visit our website at www.nafdac.gov.ng.

NAFDAC will continue to take decisive action against any individual or entity attempting to violate public health standards.”

The agency reiterated its dedication to ensuring that all products in the Nigerian market meet the required safety and efficacy standards.


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Coalition Drags Reuben Abati, Arise TV to NBC over Anti-Igbo Remarks

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A coalition of media organisations, comprising the League of Public Affairs Analysts and South East Media Professionals Network, has called for disciplinary action against Arise TV and Dr. Reuben Abati, show host, over alleged inciting remarks against the Igbos.

Coalition Drags Reuben Abati, Arise TV to NBC over Anti-Igbo Remarks

This was contained in a formal petition to the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), signed by Ambrose Igboke.

According to the group, Arise TV and Dr. Reuben Abati allegedly made a divisive comment against the South East and Igbos during a TV Breakfast Show on November 21, 2024.

Recall that during the November 21 Breakfast Show, Abati had said on Arise TV, “It is a shame that the same Igbos who are so industrious that they’re all over and they do well in other parts of Nigeria.

“You go there as a non-Igbo man to go and buy land, you’ll be told that you don’t belong, even as an in-law. These are the issues in my view.”

The journalist and former Presidential aid referred to an incident reportedly involving the former Minister of Information, T.O.S Benson, who sought to purchase land in Igbo land for his wife.

The anti-Igbo comment has resulted in criticism and outburst from different groups.

They argued in the petition that there are “concerns about remarks made by Dr. Abati, which perpetuated harmful stereotypes against the Igbo community.

“These statements have been further amplified by extremist groups like Lagospidia, exacerbating ethnic tensions in an already delicate socio political climate.”

The media professionals said, “Dr. Abati’s reference to the Igbo people in a broad, negative context risks inflaming ethnic tensions and promoting dangerous generalizations. This kind of action was what ignited the Rwandan genocide where the Hutu and Tutsi engaged in a fratricidal war of extermination. It all started with a radio

“His comments were quickly weaponized by groups known for anti-Igbo sentiments, fueling divisive narratives that undermine national unity.

“Dr. Abati’s hostile response to a colleague, Ms. Ojy Okpe, on the following day’s broadcast, demonstrated a troubling disregard for professional journalistic standards.

” The remarks and behavior constitute a breach of the Nigerian Broadcasting Code, which prohibits content that incites division or promotes hate speech.”

The petitioners called for a thorough review of Abati’s remarks and the editorial lapses that allowed such conduct to air.


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