Quantity surveyor jobs in Nigeria: How to Apply

In Nigeria, Quantity Surveyors Registration Board of Nigeria (QSRBN) is the regulatory body of the quantity surveying profession and practice in Nigeria. It was established by Decree No. 31 of December 5, 1986, now CAP Q1 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (LFN) 2004.

According to the Wikipedia, about their article for professional quantity surveyor, Wikipedia explain that “In the construction industry, a quantity surveyor is a professional with expert knowledge of construction costs and contracting. Qualified professional quantity surveyors can be known as Chartered Surveyors in the UK and Certified Quantity Surveyors in Australia and other countries.”

In this article, we are going to discuss comprehensive meaning, jobs opportunities, salary, requirements and qualifications of a registered quantity surveyor in Nigeria, let’s get started.

1. Learning Outcome

By the end of reading this article, you will:

Understand what Quantity surveyor jobs in Nigeria involve.
Know the steps on how to become a registered quantity surveyor in Nigeria.
Learn about the skills and qualifications required for a QS role.
Discover where quantity surveyors work in Nigeria and the salary range.
Get practical advice on how to apply for quantity surveyor jobs in Nigeria effectively.
Learn about opportunities in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and other cities.

2. Topic Contents Outline

Introduction to Quantity Surveying in Nigeria
What Does a Quantity Surveyor Do?
Qualifications and Requirements for a Quantity Surveyor Job
How to Become a Registered Quantity Surveyor in Nigeria
Where Quantity Surveyors Can Work in Nigeria
Skills Needed to Succeed as a QS
Salary of Quantity Surveyors in Nigeria
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Apply for Quantity Surveyor Jobs in Nigeria
Quantity Surveyor Jobs in Major Nigerian Cities (Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt)
Junior Quantity Surveyor Jobs and Career Growth
Challenges and Tips for Success in the Nigerian Job Market
Conclusion
Self-Assessment
References

3. Topic Goal

The goal of this blog post is to provide a complete and easy-to-understand guide for people in Nigeria who are interested in finding and applying for quantity surveyor jobs. It will give you the knowledge you need to meet job requirements, pass interviews, and grow in the profession.

4. Introduction

The Nigerian construction and real estate sector has been growing over the years, creating more opportunities for professionals in the building industry. Among these professionals, Quantity Surveyors play a crucial role in ensuring projects are completed within budget, on time, and to the right standard.

If you have ever wondered how to become a quantity surveyor in Nigeria, what qualifications you need, how much they earn, or where to find the latest quantity surveyor jobs in Nigeria, you are in the right place. This guide will break everything down for you in simple language, whether you are a fresh graduate, an experienced QS, or someone thinking about switching careers.

5. Topic Content

What Does a Quantity Surveyor Do?

A Quantity Surveyor (QS) is a cost expert in the construction industry. Their main responsibility is to manage all costs related to building and civil engineering projects, from the initial calculations to the final figures. They make sure a project is financially viable without compromising quality.

Typical duties include:

Preparing cost estimates and budgets.
Measuring quantities of materials and labour needed.
Advising on procurement and contracts.
Monitoring ongoing costs during construction.
Negotiating with contractors and suppliers.
Ensuring compliance with legal and safety standards.

If you have been asking, “What job is similar to quantity surveyor?”, then think of roles like cost engineer, construction estimator, project cost controller, or contract administrator.

Qualifications and Requirements for a Quantity Surveyor Job in Nigeria

To get quantity surveyor jobs in Nigeria, you generally need:

Education: A bachelor’s degree or HND in Quantity Surveying, Building Technology, Civil Engineering, or a related field.
Professional registration: Membership with the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS) is highly recommended.
Computer skills: Proficiency in MS Excel, AutoCAD, and project management software.
Work experience: Industrial training, internships, or previous QS roles.
Soft skills: Attention to detail, negotiation skills, time management, and communication abilities.

How to Become a Registered Quantity Surveyor in Nigeria

If you want to stand out in the job market, registration is important. The steps are:

Complete your QS degree or relevant qualification.
Gain practical experience through internships or graduate trainee roles.
Apply for membership with NIQS as a probationer.
Complete the NIQS professional examinations and assessments.
Obtain full membership status, which qualifies you as a registered quantity surveyor.

Registration shows employers you meet the professional standards of the industry and improves your chances of landing well-paid roles.

Where Can a Quantity Surveyor Work in Nigeria?

Quantity surveyors can work in:

Construction companies
Government ministries and agencies (Works, Housing, Urban Development)
Real estate development firms
Oil and gas projects (especially in Port Harcourt)
Consultancy firms
NGOs working on housing or infrastructure projects
Banks and insurance companies for property valuation and project finance

Skills You Need to Be a QS

When people ask, “What skills do you need to be a QS?”, here are the essentials:

Strong numerical ability for accurate cost calculations.
Good communication for dealing with clients, contractors, and team members.
Negotiation skills to get the best value for money.
Problem-solving for unexpected challenges on site.
IT skills for cost estimation software and spreadsheets.
Organisation skills for handling multiple projects at once.

Salary of Quantity Surveyors in Nigeria

The quantity surveyor jobs in Nigeria salary can vary based on location, experience, and employer.

Entry level/junior QS: ₦80,000 – ₦150,000 per month.
Mid-level: ₦200,000 – ₦400,000 per month.
Senior QS/project manager level: ₦500,000 – ₦1,000,000+ per month.

QS jobs in oil and gas or international projects in cities like Port Harcourt can pay significantly more.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Apply for Quantity Surveyor Jobs in Nigeria

Prepare your CV – Highlight your education, skills, and experience relevant to QS.
Write a good cover letter – Tailor it to the specific job and employer.
Gather documents – Certificates, portfolio, references, and registration proof.
Search for jobs – Use platforms like Jobberman, MyJobMag, LinkedIn, and NIQS announcements.
Apply early – Jobs in Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt can be competitive.
Follow up – Politely check back with HR or recruiters after submitting applications.

Quantity Surveyor Jobs in Major Nigerian Cities

Lagos

Lagos has the highest number of quantity surveyor jobs in Nigeria. The booming real estate, commercial buildings, and infrastructure projects create constant openings. Salaries here tend to be higher due to the cost of living.

Abuja

As the federal capital, Abuja offers QS roles in government ministries, construction companies, and NGOs. There’s a strong demand for registered quantity surveyors for public infrastructure projects.

Port Harcourt

Known for oil and gas projects, Port Harcourt offers some of the best-paying QS jobs in Nigeria. Projects often require QS expertise for offshore, refinery, and pipeline works.

Junior Quantity Surveyor Jobs in Nigeria and Career Growth

For fresh graduates, junior quantity surveyor jobs in Nigeria are a good starting point. You will assist senior QSs with measurements, cost reporting, and documentation. With 2–5 years of experience, you can move into mid-level roles and later into senior management or consultancy.

Challenges and Tips for Success

The QS profession in Nigeria is rewarding but competitive. Challenges include high competition for top jobs, delays in project payments, and economic fluctuations.
Tips:

Keep upgrading your skills.
Network with industry professionals through NIQS events.
Stay updated on latest software tools.
Be open to relocation if better opportunities arise.

6. Conclusion

Finding quantity surveyor jobs in Nigeria is a realistic goal when you combine the right education, practical experience, registration steps, and focused job search. Major cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt regularly advertise opportunities, and online job portals make it easy to discover the latest quantity surveying jobs. Prepare a strong CV, gather your documents, register where needed, and apply consistently. Practical site experience, good measurement skills, and membership in professional bodies will boost your chances significantly.

Keep learning, stay consistent, and treat every project as a chance to build your reputation and practical skills over time, steadily grow.

7. Self-Assessment

Can you explain the main duties of a quantity surveyor?
What is the process of becoming a registered QS in Nigeria?
Which Nigerian cities have the highest demand for QSs?
How would you prepare your CV for a QS role?

8. References

Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS) – https://niqs.org.ng
Federal Ministry of Works and Housing – https://worksandhousing.gov.ng