CIPMN to Enforce Licensing Law, Warns Offenders of Two-Year Imprisonment

The Chartered Institute of Project Managers of Nigeria (CIPMN) has reaffirmed its resolve to begin full enforcement of its licensing law, cautioning that individuals and organizations practicing project management without proper authorization risk prosecution and a two-year jail term as prescribed by law.

Registrar-General of CIPMN, Mr. Henry Mbadiwe, disclosed this during a press briefing on Thursday in Abuja to mark the 2025 International Project Management Day themed “The Power of Thrill: Project Leadership and Agile.”

Mbadiwe explained that the CIPMN Act No. 3 of 2018 empowers the Institute to regulate, certify, and monitor all project management activities across Nigeria, just as the Medical and Dental Council licenses doctors.

“Anyone practicing project management in Nigeria without a CIPMN license commits an offense punishable by two years imprisonment or an option of fine. Similarly, any organization that engages an unlicensed project manager becomes complicit under the same law,” he stated.

He clarified that the Institute’s enforcement model would focus on both practitioners and employers, emphasizing that the goal is corrective rather than punitive—to strengthen accountability and ensure proper project delivery.

“We will not walk into institutions and start shutting down projects. We will first identify the project managers, verify their licensing status, and where necessary, hold both the individual and the employer accountable under the Act,” Mbadiwe explained.

He further revealed that CIPMN has fully digitalized its operations, introducing a paperless registration and licensing system that allows instant online verification of certified project managers.

“Every license and certificate issued by the Institute carries a QR code for quick verification. Anyone can scan and confirm its authenticity on our website. Some regulatory bodies have existed for decades without such a system, but we achieved this in two years because transparency is non-negotiable,” he said.

Mbadiwe also noted that the Institute has developed a Customer Relationship Management system to monitor members’ activities and track project outcomes nationwide.

On why full enforcement has yet to commence, he attributed the delay to challenges in recruiting a suitable Head of Enforcement, adding that the process will begin once the right candidate is appointed.

“I’ll be honest, we’ve struggled to find the right person for the job. Many applicants do not meet the requirements. Once the position is filled, enforcement will begin immediately because all systems are already in place,” he said.

Despite the challenges, Mbadiwe highlighted the Institute’s significant achievements, including the development of a 12-module national curriculum for project management licensing and a university-level curriculum for degree programmes in project management.

He further stated that CIPMN operates without government subvention, relying solely on internally generated revenue and membership dues.

“We’ve grown to 40 staff members without a kobo from the government. We’re not requesting yearly appropriations, but a one-time grant to expand our presence across the six geopolitical zones would enhance our national rollout,” he added.

According to him, the Institute currently has about 1,200 licensed professional members and 3,600 associate members, including accredited trainers.

Reiterating CIPMN’s commitment to raising professional standards, Mbadiwe said, “Not every completed project is a successful one. Some projects may be completed but waste enormous public resources. Our focus is on value delivery, not just completion.”

He emphasized the need for flexibility in project management, advocating for agile methodologies to reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks that often lead to cost overruns and project failure.

Mbadiwe called for renewed national commitment to professionalism, accountability, and sustainability in project execution, noting that effective project management is critical to Nigeria’s development.

“This celebration reminds institutions, professionals, and policymakers to balance structure and flexibility. Behind every successful national initiative lies a well-managed project—whether in infrastructure, education, healthcare, or technology,” he stated.

The International Project Management Day is celebrated globally on the first Thursday of November.