By Chika Okeke
Despite the role of engineering to nation-building, engineers are taunted with limited visibility, funding constraints and inadequate patronage from the government and private sector even as their works safeguard investments, strengthen financial reporting, and enhance the integrity of economic decision-making.
The National Chairman of the Institute of Appraisers and Cost Engineers, IACE, Engr. Bello Kwalli stated this at the institute’s 2026 National Technical Conference, which coincided with his inauguration in Abuja.
He noted that members of the institute provide expertise in the valuation of property, plant and equipment, infrastructure assets, intangible assets, biological assets, mergers and acquisitions, government privatisation programmes, taxation and insurance.
Kwalli said that his administration would prioritise advocacy and collaboration to overcome the obstacles, saying that the institute, with more than 700 accredited members, possess the technical capacity to influence the future of valuation and cost engineering practices in Nigeria.
He said: “We must confront the realities before us: visibility, funding, and patronage from both government and private sectors. These are not insurmountable obstacles; they are challenges that call for vision, advocacy and collaboration.
“As chairman, I pledge to lead with clarity of purpose, to amplify our visibility, to secure sustainable support, and to position our institute as a trusted partner in national development.
The Chairman added that the multidisciplinary nature of the institute required stronger collaboration with engineering and financial sector stakeholders, saying that rightful implementation of cost engineering will support Nigeria’s economic development.
Kwalli promised that the institute would strategise to enhance its visibility, strengthen partnerships and ensure that valuation professionals play a greater role in Nigeria’s economic decision-making process.
He added: “I stand before you deeply honoured and profoundly humbled to accept the mantle of leadership as the National Chairman of the Institute of Appraisers and Cost Engineers. This is not merely a personal achievement; it is a collective triumph for our profession, for our members, and for the nation we serve.
“Our institute has journeyed with resilience and purpose. We are fully registered and certified by the Corporate Affairs Commission under the Companies and Allied Matters Act 2020, as amended, and the International Cost Engineering Council, and duly acknowledged by the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria as stakeholders in the valuation space,” he said.
Kwalli disclosed that the institute’s regulation through the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria, COREN, and recognition by relevant government institutions had reinforced its credibility and role in the country’s economic system.
He said: “These recognitions are not symbolic; they are affirmations of our legitimacy, our credibility, and our indispensable role in Nigeria’s economic architecture.”
The theme of the conference: ‘Engineering Valuation, Cost Engineering and Engineering Economy Solutions in Emerging Economies,’ attracted engineers, government officials, academics and professionals in the built environment to proffer solutions to long-term issues militating against cost management and valuation practices.
