The journey to becoming a consultant in Nigeria can be daunting. This is especially true due to the challenges involved in the whole procedure, especially during the entire certification process. For the effort and work put into realizing the dream of becoming a consultant, you are highly rewarded by consultancy fees charged to clients who patronize your services. Nigeria is very fertile for consulting as there are several consulting firms operating within the country. How can you become one of them?

What Is Consulting All About?

The word Consultant was derived from the word consulting. The act of consulting entails seeking expert or professional advice from individuals (Consultants)  skilled in certain lines of business. Certain lines of business is used to signify that the act of consulting covers several areas of skill and profession. Hence, there are financial consultants, as well as insurance consultants. Others include education, law, marketing consultants, security as well as several other areas of consulting.

The Process Involved in Becoming a Consultant in Nigeria

There are certain procedures to follow if you are to achieve your dream of becoming a practicing Consultant in Nigeria. First, the interested individual has to become a member of the Institute of Management Consultants in Nigeria (IMC). The Institute of Management Consultants is also a member of the International Council of Management Consulting Institutes (ICMCI).

This body is saddled with the responsibility of controlling and regulating the standards of consulting practice within Nigeria. It harmonizes the activities of all consulting firms within the country. They provide training for both new and existing members. Being a member of The Institute of Management Consultants in Nigeria bestows on the members certain privileges. That includes an increased recognition and competence level accepted by both public and private establishments looking for professional advice.

The Benefits Include the Following

• The Chance of Forming a Network – Members have the advantage of forming lasting and valuable networks through the exchange of ideas with other Consultants. Including the opportunity to meet other consultants from other countries through international conferences organized by the ICMCI.
• Belonging to a pool of professionals included in the database of the IMC which can be easily accessed by clients. All  specific areas of expertise are also captured to easily provide clients with a clear choice on the best consultant/consulting firm to contact for specific assignments.
• A Self Development Opportunity – Here, members get to rub minds with other experienced professionals in the field, resulting in the update of knowledge plus the adoption of industry best practices through innovative services. These, among several other benefits accrue to members of the Institute of Management Consultants in Nigeria.

READ ALSO: How To Become Aircraft Pilot In Nigeria And Salary

Requirements to Joining the Institute of Management Consultants

The Institute of Management Consultants awards  a Postgraduate Diploma in Management Studies (DMS). To qualify for the Postgraduate Diploma Award, candidates are required to possess a first degree or its equivalent. The Postgraduate diploma course runs on a part-time basis.

Consulting firms operating in Nigeria have different fields of specializations. These range from the audit and tax consulting firms, real estate,  oil and gas to several other areas of specialization.

Notable Consulting Firms in Nigeria

The presence of an increasing number of consulting firms in the country testifies to to the profession’s growing popularity and acceptance among private and government establishments. Some consulting firms of note operating in Nigeria includes:

Matog Consulting (specialized in financial, health and IT consulting)

Deloitte Consulting (tax and financial advisory), Novatia Consulting (Business development)

Phillips (provision of HR services)

Price Waterhouse Coopers (tax audit and business development)

KPMG (business advisory services) and Accenture among a variety of other notable consulting firms.

The presence of these consulting firms provides an added incentive for interested individuals who want to become consultants. The journey of becoming a consultant, although demanding is very rewarding especially if taken with the seriousness it deserves. It is a profession that requires the commitment of the individual to learning the basic skill required to take on the business world.

Being run as a part-time program by the Institute of Management Consultants-Nigeria, it affords the candidate the opportunity to study at his/her own pace. There are only two Institutes of Management Consultants in Africa registered with the International Council of Management Consulting Institutes (ICMCI). They include that of Nigeria and South Africa. Why not take advantage of this?