By Mandy Willy
The Association of Practicing Professional Project Managers of Nigeria (APPMON) has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting excellence and global best practices in project management across Nigeria, with the official unveiling of its indigenous methodology, ‘ABOKI’.
During a media presentation held in Port Harcourt, National President and Chairman of the Governing Board of APPMON, Dr. Yomi Ariyo, said the association is dedicated to fostering innovation, ethical standards, and professionalism in project execution throughout the country.
Represented by the chairman of the Arbitration Committee, Dr. Shittu Michael, Dr. Ariyo stated that ABOKI was developed to address the unique challenges and opportunities facing project management in Nigeria and other emerging markets.
“This occasion marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of project management in Nigeria. ABOKI is more than a methodology — it reflects our collective experiences, cultural context, and the complex socio-economic environment in which we operate.”
ABOKI, which stands for ‘APPMON Body of Knowledge and Implementation,’ is a standardized, locally tailored framework designed to help project managers confront what experts term “wicked problems” – complex, interconnected issues where solving one part often gives rise to other unintended challenges.
“Wicked problems are rampant in our system – from infrastructure decay and project abandonment to youth restiveness and poor service delivery,” said Dr. Inemi Stephen, Lead Editor of the ABOKI Research Project. “ABOKI doesn’t seek to replace existing global frameworks but to localize and complement them, ensuring relevance and effectiveness in Nigeria’s unique context.”
He emphasized that ABOKI provides practical insights and culturally sensitive strategies that empower practitioners to navigate Nigeria’s project landscape more effectively.
“Trying to solve wicked problems with traditional methods only leads to more issues, ABOKI is a response to this. It provides a structured, research-driven approach that makes projects explainable, understandable, and deliverable.”
Arc. Ramota Obagah-Stephen, who represented Arc. Haruna Hussaini, Head of the Events and Conference Committee, called on all project managers to embrace the ABOKI vision. She noted the framework’s potential to influence civic responsibility, mentorship, and public orientation initiatives that could transform national development efforts.
“Let us apply the ABOKI framework not only to physical structures but also to the construction of ideas and societal transformation. Project management is not limited to concrete and steel – it is a versatile discipline that can build nations.”
Founded in December 2024, APPMON aims to serve as Nigeria’s premier project management body, ensuring that projects in the country are executed with integrity, innovation, and efficiency.
The unveiling of ABOKI marks a new chapter in professional project management in Nigeria, offering a promising roadmap for sustainable development driven by local relevance and global insight.
