The Importance of project management in Nigeria
Recently, the demand for project managers has been growing more rapidly than the demand for skilled workers in other occupations. This emphasis on the importance of project managers reflects the growing understanding of the impact that good project management can have on a business.
Project management is more than simply tracking deadlines and setting a budget. Taking control of a project from beginning to end is the core function of a good project manager. It is the duty of the project manager to ensure that the initiatives and goals of the project are strategically aligned, the project has stakeholder support, and everyone is on the same page.

There are a huge number of failed and abandoned projects in the corporate world and all over the country, the gross lack of adequate project management skills is the only way to explain this epidemic. According to the Project Management Institute (PMI), organizations that undervalue project management report an average of 50% more of their projects failing outright. For Companies to achieve completion on most of its projects, modern project management practices and techniques must be employed to ensure that budget and resources are efficiently utilized to ensure project completion within the agreed time frame without exceeding the agreed budget allocated. Every project has an agreed goal to be worked towards at the beginning, the goal must be measurable, realistic and have an agreed upon timeline. The scope and nature of the entire project are defined as well as the tasks required to reach the defined goals with a timeline for each task.


Job opportunities in Project Management
When looking to embark on a career as a project manager, one needs to be patient. Walking straight into a high-paying position is highly unlikely. Once you do get involved, there is the potential to earn not only a good salary but also get involved in some amazing projects. Below are some fundamental roles in the industry:

1. Project Coordinator
This role is perfect if you're just starting your project management journey. It is an assisting role to the project manager who is in charge of the project. This way your learning curve is fast and you get more understanding about what the role requirements are.

2. New Product Development Project Manager
This is a preferred role for those good with analytics. The role involves the development, marketing and commercialization of a product. Although, the industry you are into will determine the nature of projects you get to work on.

3. Construction Project Manager
Project managers oversee the planning and delivery of construction projects. They ensure that work is completed on time and within budget. They organise logistics, delegate work and keep track of spending.
The sizes of projects vary quite a bit depending upon the size of the company you work for.

4. Information Technology Project Manager
IT project managers plan, organise, and integrate cross-functional information technology projects that are significant in scope and impact. They coordinate the work of other IT professionals and administrative staff to produce a new piece or system of software.

5. Environmental Research Project Manager
Specific tasks of an environmental project manager might include preparing reports and work plans, performing site investigations, and collecting, processing and evaluating data. These management professionals establish project needs and monitor work in progress to ensure final deliverables adhere to requirements.

6. Become A Consultant
This role is reserved for those who have been working as a project manager for several years. The main advantages of such a career move are that you get to choose what projects you work on. This means you will have a lot more challenges to face and work will prove to be more exciting.

How much does a Project Manager Make?
According to glassdoor.com, The national salary for a Project Manager starts from a minimum of 150k and can go as high as N800k or more as he gathers more experience and expertise on the job.

Top Project Management Courses

1. Project management Professional
PMP is known as Project Management Professional and is the most significant certification recognized in the industry for Project Managers. The PMP is globally acceptable because it allows you to work in any industry, location and with any methodology. (Learn more: https:///3uRBRPi)

2. Certified Scrum Master:
Scrum is an agile framework principally used for software development tasks. It involves a recurring and incremental approach for project tasks that allows it to stay flexible enough for modification in a structured way without incurring extra costs and damaging huge sections of preceding work. (Learn more: https:///3eMJDo3)

3. PRINCE 2 Practitioner/Foundation:
While the Foundation level of PRINCE 2 is for entry level project managers, PRINCE 2 Practitioner level certification is for anyone who manages and coordinates projects. As part of an official Project Management role or a function which requires Project Management in its daily activities.
(Learn more: https:///3tLKGsI)

4. Primavera P6
Primavera Software is a sophisticated and effective project management tool that supports various organizations to manage their functions and projects effectively. (Learn more:
https:///2RY7AzQ)

5. Risk Management
The Risk Management course provides participants with the capability to detect and assess project risks as well as alleviate threats and safeguard the needs of the organization. The PMI – RMP training will help prepare you for the PMI-RMP certification exam. (Learn more: https:///33Mjyzc)


Top Project Management Training Institutes
1. Piston and Fusion Business Academy
Piston and Fusion Ltd (P&F) was established in 2009 by a team of seasoned professionals who saw a need to bridge the gap that exists in project best practices and project delivery in Nigeria. P&F has positioned itself as one of the fastest growing start up businesses in the south west region, with its core competence in Project Management. Their certification and management training programmes in Nigeria have successfully equipped over 6000 professionals. With a team of seasoned professionals, They deliver courses that help participants obtain international certifications; these include PMP, PHR, ITIL, PRINCE 2 etc
(Learn more: https:///3tTDafw)

2. Ciel Consulting
Cieledu Nigeria Ltd operating as Ciel Consulting is registered with the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) and the Department for Petroleum Resources (DPR). They have certified over 4,000 people within and outside of organizations.

3. HARRYBAKER Training Institute
HARRYBAKER Training Institute offers a wide range of customized training and competency development for organizations and individuals globally. They work directly with heads of corporations, business units, and PMOs to ensure that training programs are fully aligned with our clients’ business objectives.

Integrating IT asset management can't be overlooked. It can serve as a cornerstone for making sure the project is on track, within budget, and completed within the set timelines.

I absolutely agree with OdogwuSurulere on the rising importance of project management, not just in Nigeria but globally. The stats about failed projects and the role of inadequate project management skills are eye-opening.
One thing to add is how project management also ties in with IT asset management. In the modern business landscape, knowing your hardware and software assets is crucial for effective project management. An article I stumbled upon from bluetallyapp.com does an excellent job explaining how IT asset management software can help project managers maintain a lean and efficient operation.