How to Become a Quantity Surveyor in Nigeria (Complete Guide)
Why This Career in Nigeria?
Quantity surveying is one of Nigeria's most in-demand construction professions, with growing opportunities due to infrastructure projects across residential, commercial and government sectors. The Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS) reports 12% annual growth in membership, reflecting industry expansion. Entry-level professionals earn ₦120,000-₦250,000 monthly in Lagos/Abuja, while senior QSs at firms like Julius Berger can make ₦800,000+. With Nigeria's construction sector projected to grow 3.7% annually (PWC 2023), QS professionals are critical for cost management on projects like Lagos-Calabar railway and Eko Atlantic City.
What Does the Role Involve?
A Quantity Surveyor in Nigeria typically:
- Prepares tender documents and contract terms for projects like shopping malls or highway construction
- Conducts feasibility studies using Nigerian cost indices (e.g. NIQS Building Cost Index)
- Measures construction works on-site using Nigerian Standard Method of Measurement (NSMM)
- Manages variations and claims on projects with contractors like CCECC or Dantata & Sawoe
- Prepares final accounts using forms of contract common in Nigeria (e.g. FIDIC Red Book)
Required Qualifications in Nigeria
To practice professionally:
- Degree: B.Sc in Quantity Surveying from accredited schools like FUTO, UNILAG or ABU (5-year program)
- Certification: Mandatory NIQS membership (Associate after 2 years post-graduation)
- Optional: COREN registration (for government projects) or RICS certification (international projects)
- NYSC: Completion required for most corporate roles
Key Skills You Need
Technical Skills:
- CostX or Candy software proficiency (industry standard in Nigeria)
- Advanced Excel for BOQ preparation
- Nigerian construction law knowledge (e.g. Public Procurement Act 2007)
Soft Skills:
- Negotiation skills for contractor meetings
- Report writing for client presentations
- Cultural intelligence for diverse project teams
Step-by-Step Roadmap
- Complete 5-year QS degree at accredited Nigerian university
- Undergraduate internship at firms like Femadeq Consultants or QS Practice Ltd
- NYSC service (preferably in construction firm or government works department)
- Register as NIQS Graduate Member (₦25,000 application fee)
- 2-year practical experience under licensed QS
- Pass NIQS Professional Interview for Associate status
- Specialize in areas like PPP projects or oil/gas infrastructure
Free and Affordable Learning Resources
- NIQS monthly webinars (free for student members)
- UNILAG OpenCourseWare for construction economics
- "Quantity Surveying Practice in Nigeria" by O. Odusami (₦8,500 on Roving Heights)
- QS Tutor YouTube channel (Nigeria-specific tutorials)
- Construction Cost Handbook (annual NIQS publication)
Building Your Portfolio or Professional Profile
Create:
- Sample BOQs for hypothetical Nigerian projects (e.g. 3-bedroom bungalow in Lekki)
- Case studies of cost savings achieved during internships
- Technical articles on Nigerian construction trends (publish on LinkedIn)
Networking in Nigeria
Join:
- NIQS Young Surveyors Forum (annual conference in Lagos)
- Construction Industry LinkedIn groups with 10K+ Nigerian members
- Mentorship programs through NIQS chapters in 24 states
How Long It Takes
Typical timeline:
- 5 years (degree)
- 1 year (NYSC)
- 2 years (NIQS certification)
- Total: 8 years to full professional status (can reduce with parallel internship)
Salary Expectations
Monthly ranges in 2024:
- Entry-level (0-3 years): ₦120,000-₦250,000
- Mid-level (4-7 years): ₦350,000-₦600,000
- Senior (8+ years): ₦750,000-₦1.2M (higher for oil/gas projects)
Top Employers in Nigeria
- Julius Berger Nigeria PLC
- CCECC Nigeria Limited
- Femadeq Quantity Surveyors
- Arcon Group
- Structures Nigeria
Find Construction Jobs in Nigeria
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