Nigerian structural engineers challenge unethical project-management practices

A group of structural engineers in Nigeria has publicly criticized unethical practices in project management within the construction sector. The complaint was detailed in a June 2025 article published by The Nation, a Nigerian news outlet.

According to the article, the engineers argued that poor project-management practices, including disregard for standards, lack of transparency, and compromised safety, are undermining professional accountability and structural integrity in the built environment. They described these practices as “unethical” and warned that the consequences may include increased risk of construction defects and infrastructure failures.

The engineers appealed to regulatory bodies, professional associations, and government agencies to enforce ethical codes, uphold project-management norms, and ensure that engineering decisions remain driven by safety, competence, and public welfare rather than cost-cutting or shortcuts. They emphasized that when project management fails to respect engineering standards, structural engineers may be placed in difficult positions, with their professional responsibilities compromised.

The article serves as a call to action for the Nigerian construction industry: to raise awareness of ethical lapses, reinforce the role of certified structural engineers in project oversight, and promote reforms in project-management culture to protect the integrity of infrastructure and safeguard public safety.