1.0 HISTORY
 
 
 The Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors was founded in 1969 by a group of Nigerians who trained, qualified and practiced in the United Kingdom but who upon returning to Nigeria sensed the urgent need to develop the profession of Quantity Surveying in Nigeria by establishing a parallel body to the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors of United Kingdom.
The Profession of Quantity Surveying is practiced in Nigeria along the same pattern as in the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth countries. In America, they are known as Cost Engineers. Quantity Surveying functions are carried out in other countries under a variety of names. Thus, the role is universal.

The regulated and other Professions (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1978 recognised Quantity Surveying profession as one of the scheduled Professions while the decree No.31 of 1986 gave legal backing and recognition to the Quantity Surveying profession and also set up the Quantity Surveyors Registration Board of Nigeria (QSRBN) to regulate the Profession.

 
 
2.0 CONSTITUTION AND ORGANISATION
 
 
 
 The Institute is governed by the National Executive Council headed by the President. Other elected members of the Council are Deputy President,  Vice President, General Secretary, Immediate Past President, Assistant General Secretary, Research & Development Secretary, Treasurer, Secretary for Marketing & Public Relation, Secretary for International Affairs and two (2) Ex-Officio members.

The Constitution of the Institute empowers the National Executive Council to co-opt up to two members who in its opinion could make useful contributions to council deliberations.

The council meets quarterly to shape programmes and policies and review the work of the Institute. The management sub-committee meets in between council meetings to monitor and facilitate the implementation of the programmes and policies of the Institute.

The standing committees of the Institute namely,
(a) Membership (b) Education (c) Research and Development (d) Finance (e) Publicity (f) General purposes and with appropriate council members as chairmen function in accordance with the constitution and are responsible to council.

Adhoc committees are established from time to time to carry out certain phases of the Institutes activities and are also responsible to council.

The Administration of the Institute is carried out by the Secretariat, which is headed by a full time Executive Secretary who is also a co-opted member of council. It is equally the responsibility of the Secretariat to implement all policies formulated by the National Executive Council as well as perform other management functions that will lead to the achievement of the Institute's objectives.

The Institute has formed a number of State/Zonal Chapters each with its own chairman and committee and approved bye-laws which are consistent with the Institute's constitution. The State/Zonal Chapters conduct their own affairs and organise programmes and activities in their areas in furtherance of the Institute's objectives and policies.

The National Policy Committee comprising all current officers of the Institute, all Past Presidents, all Past General Secretaries, a member each elected by State/Zonal Chapters and up to 10 Co-opted members is the highest policy making organ of the Institute and has powers and functions amongst others to lay down policies and principles for governance of the Institute amongst others. The Committee meets quarterly and with the President presiding.

The General Assembly comprising all members of the Institute and which has a legislative function meets through Quarterly general meetings, Annual general meetings, Extra.ordinary general meetings, Emergency general meetings and Biennial general meetings.

 
 
3.0 OBJECTIVES OF THE INSTITUTE
 
 
 
 These are set out in the constitution and are as follows:

"The aims and objective of the Institute shall be: a) To promote the science and practice of the Quantity Surveying Profession in all its ramifications.
b)  To provide a platform or forum for meeting and discussing matters of mutual interest to Quantity Surveyors in Nigeria and to preserve and further the interest of Quantity Surveyors.
c) To promote and stimulate the improvement of the technical and general knowledge of persons engaged in the profession of Quantity Surveying.
d) To organise continuing education and professional training of those seeking to become professional Quantity Surveyors and assist and procure its members to be registered by the Quantity Surveyors Registration board of Nigeria.
e) To undertake research study and to collate information from any Quantity Surveying bodies from any part of the World on the latest developments and technologies in the practice of Quantity Surveying and to make available such information to its members.
f) To co-operate with the Quantity Surveyors Registration Board of Nigeria in training of Quantity Surveyors and regulating and controlling the practice of Quantity Surveying in Nigeria.
g) Generally to disseminate information and promote understanding of Quantity Surveying among members of the public and to co-operate with other professional bodies in Nigeria.
h) The maintenance of the highest standards of discipline and professional conduct." 
 
 
 
4.0 CORPORATE STRATEGY
 
 
 
 The Corporate Strategy for the direction of the profession comprises an overall Vision and Mission Statements and Policies for nine key strategic elements namely; The Profession, The Institute, The Chapters, The Members, Education and Training, Professional Development and Services, Research and Development, Marketing and Corporate relations and Institute's Administration Standards. The Vision and Mission Statements are as follows:
  4.1 VISION
"To be the profession in Nigeria responsible for total cost and procurement management, for the achievement of client's objectives in all types of capital projects and developments, from conception to commissioning and maintenance, in all sectors of the economy, for the attainment of sustainable National development and goals".

 
 
4.2  MISSION STATEMENTS

The Profession:
Promotion of Quantity Surveying principles of construction economics, costs, procurement and management as sine qua non for effective delivery of all types of capital projects and developments from conception to commissioning and maintenance in all sectors of the economy.
 
 
The Institute:
Development and promotion of the Institute through appropriate and effective institutional arrangements as Nigeria's authority in construction economics, costs, procurement and management services within the context of the Nigerian environment through the application of latest information technology and to serve the interest of stakeholders i.e. members, the construction industry operators, the client, allied professions, the public and similar professional bodies world-wide through efficient and effective information management of the Institutes activities. 
 
The Chapters:
Development of the Institute chapters as a national network of branches for the provision of functional and effective service for members and promotion of the objects of the Institute at the State and Zonal levels. 
 
The Members:
Development of the Institute with expanded qualitative membership consistent with National development requirements and goals. 
 
Education and Training:
Development and maintenance of the highest standard of Education and Training through appropriate entry requirements and academic standards in tertiary institutions and qualitative professional competence training as entry into the profession which is comparable with other professional bodies in the Nigerian built environment and similar professional bodies world-wide. 
 
Professional Development and Services:
Promotion and provision of an effective continuing professional development of members in construction economics, costs, procurement and management services through the application of latest information technology and the maintenance of the highest standards of competence, discipline and integrity in Quantity Surveying services rendered to clients and employers in all sectors of the economy. 
 
Research and Development:
Promote Research and Development activities in all aspects of the project cycle and environment required to support the changing and developing role of the Quantity Surveyor in the wider context of construction economics, costs, procurement and management consultancy including the impact of information technology on these services. 
 
Marketing:
Promote and market the professional image of the Quantity Surveyor as construction economics, costs, procurement and management expert who provide value for money in the construction of social and economic developments and infrastructure for the clients and employers. 
 
Institutes Administration Standards:
Development of the highest standards of administration and excellence in the organisation and management of the Institutes activities with the application of the latest information technology.

  
 
5.0  EMPLOYMENT AND SERVICES OFFERED BY THE QUANTITY SURVEYOR 
 
 
 The Quantity Surveyor is a cost and procurement management expert who is concerned with financial probity and achieving value for money in the conceptualisation. planning and execution of Building and Engineering projects and developments. The role is carried out in both new and maintenance/rehabilitation development projects.
  5.1  EmploymentQuantity Surveyors are employed in the following broad sectors of the Nigerian economy:
  (i)  Public Sector i.e. Federal. State. Local Governments and their Parastatals 
(ii)  Private Sector: Banks/Finance/Insurance/Capital Market Institutions; Mining/Petrochemical Industries; Oil and Gas Companies; Multinational Corporations; Building and Engineering Manufacturing Industries; Property Development Companies; Embassies; Small business organisations. Private individuals etc. 
(iii)  Private Consultancy firms/practices 
(iv)  Construction Contracting/subcontracting firms 
(v)  Academic Sector; as lecturers. Works and Engineering Departments etc.
  
 
5.2  Public and Private Sector -Quantity Surveying Departments
Public (Governments. Parastatals etc) and Private Sector organisations are advised to establish Quantity Surveying. Cost and Procurement Management Departments/Divisions/Units which should be headed by Qualified professional and registered Quantity Surveyors and reporting directly to the Chief Executive or Executive Director (Projects) so as to ensure effective cost control. Budgetary monitoring and documentation in the management of projects.

 
 
5.3  Appointment of a Consultant Quantity Surveyor:
The Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors stresses the importance of quantity surveying appointments being made directly by the client so as to ensure independent cost and procurement advice and independence of function on the project.

Clients and Employers are advised to maintain a register of consultants on the basis of Directory of members and Quantity Surveying firms issued by the Institute and update them from time to time. The Institute is able to provide every assistance in this regard. Quantity Surveyors are guided by a code of conduct, which the Institute enforces.

The range of services performed by the Quantity Surveyor appears elsewhere in the brochure and this should be agreed on appointment.

The conditions of the engagement and consultancy services agreement issued by the Institute provides a good basis for the appointment.

Remuneration is based on the Federal Government scale of fees for consultancy services current at the time of appointment as well as the latest guidelines issued by the institute.

 
 
5.4  The services offered by the Quantity Surveyor include:
  A.  Feasibility Studies of Capital Projects 
 i.  Budgetary Planning for annual, rolling, medium and perspective development plans 
 ii.  Capital investment policy advice 
 iii.  Advice on financial plans and procurements 
 iv.  Cash flow forecasts and analysis 
 v.  Profitability studies and Sensitivity analysis 
 vi.  Value analysis and management and cost benefit studies 
 vii.  Life cycle studies and cost-in-use 
 viii.  Time effect on costs and profitability
  
B.  Cost Modelling 
 i.  Cost estimates and budgeting 
 ii.  Cost planning, monitoring, and control to ensure that client's budget is not exceeded 
 iii.  Cost studies and research of construction resources
  
C.  Contract Documentation and procurement 
 i.  Procurement: tendering procedures and contractual arrangements. 
 ii.  Preparation of Bills of Quantities and other documents for obtaining tenders for the purpose of contract administration. 
 iii.  Tender evaluation, analysis and reporting.
  
D.  Contract Administration and Management 
 i.  Preparation of interim valuations 
 ii.  Adjustment and measurement of changes in scope of works 
 iii.  Management of cost implications of contractual issues 
 iv.  Cost control -preparing financial statements, cash flow and final accounts.
  
E.  Monitoring of Capital Projects 
 i.  Programme management 
 ii.  Project Auditing 
 iii.  Monitoring and Evaluation of developments
  
F.  General
Preparation of cost reports, priced Bills of Quantities and appropriate documentation for: 
 i.  Capital allowances and taxation advice 
 ii.  Technical and Contract Auditing 
 iii.  Bank loans and facilities 
 iv.  Capital market finance proposals 
 v.  Planning approvals 
  etc.
  
G.  Project Management
Project Management reinforces client control over the complexities of modern developments. The Project Manager is the client's expert representative responsible for co-ordinating the whole development process to ensure timely completion within budget and performance requirements.
As Quantity Surveyors have been specially trained in economic, financial, management, legal and contractual aspect of construction, they are particularly well qualified for the role of Project Manager.

The following range of services is indicative but should not be considered exhaustive:
 
 i.  Identification of the client's objectives and priorities 
 ii.  Development and preparation of the brief 
 iii.  Prepare an option/feasibility study 
 iv.  Execute a risk analysis exercise 
 v.  Establish the budget and the total project programme 
 vi.   Advise on the design team selection 
 vii.   Establish and manage integrated communication and information systems. 
 viii.   Select the appropriate procurement strategy 
 ix.   Devise the pre-contract control systems and execute a value analysis exercise. 
 x.   Co-ordinate planning permission and other statutory consents. 
 xi.   Conduct tender evaluation and select contractor(s) 
 xii.   Establish the post contract time, cost and quality control and management systems. 
 xiii.   Control, monitor and report through to the project completion, commissioning and occupation. 
 xiv.   Establish a facilities/maintenance management system 
 
As Prime Consultants, Quantity Surveyors perform Project Management and co-ordination roles together with Quantity Surveying services.
   
H.  Facilities Management

Quantity Surveyors by training and expertise in total cost and procurement management are well suited for the management of all activities which are central in maintenance/rehabilitation projects and Facilities Management.
 
 
I.  Other Management- oriented Services 
 i.  Contract management and supervision 
 ii.  Management of capital expenditure programme. 
 iii.  Cost, financial and procurement management services for Built operate and transfer (BOT) developments and projects. 
 iv.  Privatisation and commercialisation studies and management.
  
J.  Direct Labour Projects 
 i.  Preparation of labour and material schedules to determine the quantity of labour and materials required on a particular project. 
 ii.  Supervision of actual purchasing of the materials, using the appropriate inventory modelling techniques. 
 iii.  Cost control during the construction process by ensuring adherence to programme and plans. Time Management. 
 iv.  Co-ordinating and simulating the different activities involved in a direct labour approach to construction contracts.
  
K.  Arbitration 
 i.  Sitting as an arbitrator or an umpire 
 ii.  Preparation of proof of evidence 
 iii.  Preparation of award.
  
L.  Expert Witness 
  Provision of expert opinion in construction disputes.
  
M.  Fire Insurance Assessment 
  Assessment of replacement costs of buildings for insurance purposes by preparation of a priced bill of quantities.
  
N.  Dilapidation 
 i.  Preparing schedules of conditions. 
 ii.  Preparing, measuring and pricing schedules of dilapidations. 
 iii.  Negotiation and settlement of landlord or tenant. 
 iv.  Expert evidence in cases of disputes.
   
 
 
6.0 EMPLOYMENT BUREAU
 
 
 NIQS maintains an employment bureau to assist prospective employers and organisations in the recruitment of Quantity Surveyors.
 
7.0 ACADEMIC DEVELOPMENT
 
 
 Institutions Offering Quantity Surveying
 
The following Institutions offer quantity surveying academic programmes and are accredited by NIQS and QSRBN from time to time.
  1. Universities:
  i. Department of Quantity Surveying
Ahmadu Bello University
Zaria
Kaduna State.
  ii. Department of Quantity Surveying
Enugu State University of Tech.
P. M. B 01600
Enugu.
 
iii. Department of Quantity Surveying
Obafemi Awolowo University
lIe –Ife
Osun State.
  iv. Department of Quantity Surveying
Federal University of TechnoIogy
P .0. Box 656
Minna, Niger State.
 
v. Department of Quantity Surveying
Federal University of Technology
P.M.B. 704
Akure
Ondo State.
 vi. Department of Quantity Surveying
River State University of Science &
Technology
P .M. B. 5080
Port Harcourt, River State.
 
 
2. Polytechnics/Colleges of Technology:
  i. Department of Quantity Surveying
The Polytechnic
P.M.B. 5063
Ibadan, OyoState.
  ii. Department of Quantity Surveying
Auchi Polytechnic
P.M.B. 13
Auchi, Edo State.
 
iii. Department of Quantity Surveying
Institute of Management &
Technology
P.M.B. 1079
Enugu.
  iv. Department of Quantity Surveying
Anambra State Polytechnic
Oko.
 
v. Department of Quantity Surveying
The Polytechnic, Nekede
Owerri.
Imo State.
  vi.  Department of Quantity Surveying
Ondo State Polytechnic
Owo.
Ondo State.
vii. Department of Quantity Surveying
Federal Polytechnic
P. M. B. 55
Bida,
Niger State.
  viii. Department of Quantity Surveying
Federal Polytechnic
Nasarawa
Plateau State.
ix. Department of Quantity Surveying
Federal Polytechnic
KAURA NAMODA
Sokoto State.
  x. Department of Quantity Surveying
Kaduna Polytechnic
P. M. B. 1034
Kaduna.
xi. Department of Quantity Surveying
Sokoto State Polytechnic
P. M. B. 1034
BIRINNI KEBBI
Kebbi State.
  xii. Department of Quantity Surveying
Lagos State Polytechnic
P. M. B. 21606
Ikeja,
Lagos State.
xiii. Department of Quantity Surveying
Yaba College of Technology
P. M. B. 2011
Yaba, Lagos State.
  xiv.  Department of Quantity Surveying
Kano State Polytechnic
P. M. B. 3401
Kano.
xv. Department of Quantity Surveying
Kwara State Polytechnic
P. M. B. 1375
Ilorin
Kwara State.
   
 
 
8.0 RESEARCH LIBRARY
 
 
 NIQS library contains the Institute's Publications, Books published by members of NIQS. The Annex Office at 3 Clegg lane, Opposite Fire Station, Off Western Avenue. Surulere, Lagos is being developed to maintain a comprehensive collection of Books, Magazines and Research works to reflect the wide professional interest of Quantity Surveying.
 
9.0 MEMBERSHIP
 
 
 9.1 Growth/Category
The Institute has an active and growing membership made up of Fellows, Associates, Probationers, Technicians and Students.

Corporate and full members comprising Fellows and Associates may use the designatory letters FNIQS and ANIQS respectively. They are also qualified to be registered by the QSRBN. Honorary Fellows may use the designatory letters Hon. FNIOS.

Pupil members who are undergoing Academic or Professional training are Probationers, Technicians and Students.

 
 
9.2 Route to Professional Membership
The NIQS runs examinations for prospective members. The examinations are in stages and the academic and professional qualifications of the prospective applicant determine the level of exemptions from the examinations in the following stages:

i. Second Examination:
Registered Students and Technicians with B.Sc or equivalent in Cognate discipline who have been given approval to sit for the 2nd examination.
 
 
ii. Graduateship Examination
  (a) Registered Probationers with HND (as).
(b) Registered Students and Technicians who have passed the second Examination of the NIQS.
 
 
iii. Test of Professional Competence (TPC) Examination
  (a) Registered Probationers with B.Sc (Quantity Surveying) and with not less than 2 years post NYSC experience recorded in the Institute's log Books.
(b) Registered Probationers who have passed the Graduateship Examination and with not less than two years post NYSC experience recorded in the Institute's log Books.
 
 
iv. Matured Professionals Examination

Eligibility of Candidates:
  (a) Academic Qualification:
5 credits which must include English, Maths, Physics at '0' level, 'A' level or SSCE

HND, B.Sc, B. Tech. or M.Sc in Quantity Surveying or

Cognate degree holders may be considered.
 
 
(b) Experience/Age:
Not less than 40 years of age and 15 years minimum period of practice as a quantity surveyor for those with quantity surveying academic qualification. T en years must have been in Senior Management position.

Not less than 45 years of age and 20 years minimum period of practice as a quantity surveyor for those with cognate degrees. Ten years must have been in a Senior Management Position.
 
 
(c) Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Evidence of CPD for not less than five years before the date of application (5 x 20 units)
Evidence of active involvement at chapter and National level.
 
 
 
v. Professional Competence Interview
Successful candidates in TPC and Matured Professional Examinations are eligible for a further professional competence Interview.
 
 
 
 
10.0 CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT (CPD)
 
 
 The NIQS has put in place a CPO programme, which is to ensure that its members are kept abreast of developments of the profession through Seminars and Workshops.
Credit points are awarded for attending and participating in the programmes.

Members must achieve 20 CPD Units in anyone year.
 
 
11.0 SEMINARS AND WORKSHOPS
 
 
 The Institute uses the fora of Seminars, Workshops, Conferences and Symposia to address topical National Issues and the Communiqué usually issued at the end of such Seminars, Workshops etc form the basis for advising Government and the private sector. Such fora are also used to sensitise members on contemporary Issues.
 
12.0 MEMBERSHIP OF NATIONAL, INTERNATIONAL AND REGIONAL ORGANISATIONS
 
 
 12.1 Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria (APBN)
The NIQS is a founding member of the Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria; an umbrella body for recognised professional bodies in the economy.

Through the body, a close liaison is maintained with the built environment professions in the promotion of construction industry activities with government and its agencies and the organised private sector.

 
 
12.2 International Federation of Surveyors (FIG)
The NIQS is participating actively in the formation of Commission 10 of FIG. FIG is recognised as the organised body of Surveyors by the United Nations (UN).

 
 
12.3 International Cost Engineering Council (ICEC)
This organisation is of strategic importance to NIQS and thereby making NIQS full and active participation very important. The organisation promotes co-operation between national and multinational cost engineering, quantity surveying and project management organisations world wide for their mutual well-being and that of their individual members.

 
 
12.4 Commonwealth Association of Surveying and Land Economy (CASLE)
NIQS is an active member of CASLE comprising mainly associations of surveying professions in Africa, Asia, Atlantic etc. CASLE has an observer status in the commonwealth.

 
 
12.5 African Association of Quantity Surveyors (AAQS)
NIQS has been promoting AAQS since 1993. When fully established, it would have an observer status with Organisation of African Unity (OAU), ADB etc.

 
 
12.6 West African Construction Economics Association (WACEA)
NIQS is promoting the establishment of the Construction Economics association in the sub-region. When fully established, it will seek observer status with Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
 
 
 
13.0 PUBLICATIONS 
 
 The NIQS has published the following documents:
  (i) Constitution.
(ii) Standard method of Measurements for use in Building and engineering works;
(iii) Standard Conditions of Engagement and Consultancy Services Agreement for use by Quantity Surveyors.
(iv) Code of Professional Conduct for Quantity Surveying Practice;
(v) Standard form of Contract Building and Housing Projects (ln conjunction with sister Professional Bodies in the Construction Industry).
(vi) Proceedings of the First Nigerian Quantity Surveying Colloquium.
(vii) Standard Form of Contract for use in connection with Building, Civil, Electrical and other Engineering works by local Government Councils in the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1996).
(viii) Nigerian Construction Price Book
(ix) The Quantity Surveyor. A quarterly journal of the Nigerian Institute Quantity Surveyors.
(x) Directory of Members & Practising firms.
(xi) Proceedings of various seminars, workshops and conferences organised by the Institute.
 
 
14.0 CODE OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT 
 
 Members of the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors are governed by its Constitution, Bye-laws and Code of Professional Conduct, in addition to the General Laws of Nigeria. The practice of quantity surveying profession in Nigeria is regulated by Decree No.31 of 1986, which set up the Quantity Surveyors Registration Board of Nigeria.
The purpose of the code is to regularise the level of discipline/skill and the behaviour of all categories of the membership of the Institute and the Registration Board in the pursuance of the practice of the profession of Quantity Surveying in Nigeria.

The code comprises six main sections containing inter-related clauses, which will be of universal application and deal with specific injunctions. All practitioners are expected to be conversant with all the provisions and apply the rules in their dealings with fellow professionals and the public in general.

The subject headings of the Code of Professional Conduct include Introduction, Preface, Professional Obligations, Professional Conduct, Partnership and Company details, Registration of Practising Firms, Remuneration, Firms/Companies, Consortia, Engagement in other Businesses/Occupations, General Practice rules; Services commissions, Taking over uncompleted commissions or supplanting existing commissions, Independent assessment of work by other practitioners, Presentation of Quantity Surveying documents etc., Standard name places and site boards, Copyright, Advertisement and Publicity; General Brochures, letters and Published Articles, Public Speaking, Lectures, Radio and Television appearance; Relationship with other Professional colleagues and Glossary .

 
 
15.0 FURTHER INFORMATION 
 
  Further information can be obtained from:
The Executive Secretary
The Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors
Quantity Surveyors House
17/191dowu Taylor Street
Victoria Island
P .0. Box 2666, Lagos
Nigeria.
Tel: +234 (01) 461 8723, 470 1429
Fax: +234 (0) 616 390
E- Mail: niqs@infoweb.com.ng
Web: http://www.niqs.org