The Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has assured that his government will continue to partner quantity surveyors in the execution of infrastructure projects in the State.

Governor Fubara gave the assurance when he received in audience the national executive of the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS), led by its President, Kene Nzekwe, at Government House, Port Harcourt on Thursday evening.

The visit comes on the sidelines of the institute’s Annual General Meeting, tagged: “Garden City 2024”, and national conference with the theme, “Strengthening the Quantity Surveying Practices and Processes for Growth and Sustainability in a Turbulent Economy.”

The Governor also stated that his administration will ensure that quantity surveyors in the state civil service get requisite certifications to enable them discharge their duties effectively and compete favourably with their peers anywhere in the country and the world.

A statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Nelson Chukwudi, says Governor Fubara commended the leadership and members of the institute for their quality services to the State and the nation, and urged them to continue to exhibit high level of professionalism and good ethical conduct in the discharge of their duties to restore confidence in the industry.

Governor Fubara said that the government will always apply due diligence and engage professionals in the execution of projects, adding that with strict adherence to due process, the State has recorded minimal failed projects.

He assured the leadership and members of the institute the hospitality of the people of the State, and the enabling environment for a successful AGM and national conference.

In his remarks, President of the Institute, Kene Nzekwe, expressed gratitude to the Governor for the hospitality of the government and people of the State.

Nzekwe said: “Since our arrival to Port Harcourt, Rivers State, we have continued to enjoy the ambiance and tranquility of this beautiful city.

“The development and growth of any country or state is highly dependent on her level of infrastructure development and the commitment of the leadership to continue to ensure infrastructure delivery. To this end, I would like to use this occasion of our visit to commend His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, for his laudable developmental strides such as the ongoing construction project of the Port Harcourt Ring Road. The magnitude of this project, traversing six local government areas of the State is a statement that the Governor desires that development quickly reaches every nook and cranny of the state.

“It is also difficult to miss the numerous road projects completed within this young administration, the funds channelled to health and education infrastructure, and the increase in internally generated revenue for the State. These instances are all evidence of the commendable efforts of your government thus far. Your dexterity for economic diversity and inclusion through agriculture and foreign direct investment is worthy of note”, he added.

He promised to continue to synergise and collaborate with the government to ensure effective projects and service delivery, saying that quantity surveyors were ready to put in their best for the development of the state.

•PHOTO: Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara (3rd right) in a handshake with the President, Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS), Kene Nzekwe (3rd left); shortly after an audience with the Governor at Government House in Port Harcourt on Thursday evening. They are flanked on both sides by members of the NIQS delegation.