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Tag: Estate surveyors

  • Estate surveyors seek clarity on monthly rental payment

    Estate surveyors seek clarity on monthly rental payment

    Nigeria Institution of Estate Surveyors & Valuers (NIESV) has demanded legal clarity from the Lagos State government on the proposed monthly rent payment by tenants in the state.

    Its Chairman, Gbenga Ismail, commended the government’s initiative but cautioned on the need for it to have legal clarity and infrastructure support.

    In a chat with reporters yesterday, NIESV boss said the idea is fair and close to market reality but suggested that the state government should start with their own housing estates before coming up with a law that will include the private sector.

    He said though Nigerians are used to multiple year rental payment because some companies pay housing allowance to their staff at the beginning of the year and also those in business make large sums of money to enable them pay for several years, the idea can be explored. However, the reality is not same for everyone as millions of people may yet not be able to continue paying the yearly rentals because of their economic peculiarities.

    He however argued that what the government is working towards in their thinking maybe that monthly payment will ensure affordability to cushion the harsh effects of the economy. But according to him a lot of work needs to be done because the policy seem to protect only tenants.

     He called for strong institutions to make it work such as the Judiciary where the Judges will be firm and deliver judgment without delay as done in advanced economies.

    Asked why the policy probably didn’t work in the days of former Governor, Babatunde Fashola , he argued that it may have been  because of lack of funds , unlike now that there is funds in the economy.  “Now there is more money in the economy monthly rentals may lead to scarcity of houses in the market to be rented,” he said.

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    According to him, for houses to be affordable there should be access to land, robust government policy regarding land ownership, alternative and affordable building materials and access to finance.

    He said: “Government should allow land to be accessed cheaply at marginal cost and amortise it over years, allowing the builder to build quietly while the government earns their monies through ground rent fees and other fees related to housing income.  It’s unfortunate that over 70 per cent of finishing housing products are imported. If a three-bedroom flat goes for N15 million where is the affordability for an average Nigerian?”

    Speaking on his achievement on his two year tenure as the helmsman of NIESV, Lagos he said he set out to ensure more qualified Estate Surveyors & Valuers were brought into the fold.

    Others are the numerous Mandatory Professional Continuous Development (MPCD) programmes to horn the skill of members. This singular achievement he stated has distinguished Lagos Estate Surveyors & Valuers from others from other states in terms of skill set and confidence in their jobs.

  • Enhancing estate surveyors, valuers’ role in economic development

    Enhancing estate surveyors, valuers’ role in economic development

    By Obaze Francis Onyeka

    An Estate Surveyor and Valuer (ESV) is a professional, trained in the art and science of estate management and valuation to direct and supervise an interest in landed properties with the sole aim of obtaining optimum return for the owners of such properties.

    In other words, he has undergone necessary training at the approved institution of higher learning in estate management and valuation and as well has passed the prescribed examinations of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV), has undergone the Test of Professional Competence to become a professional in the Associate Member cadre, registered and licensed by the Estate Surveyors and Valuers Registration Board of Nigeria (ESVARBON) in accordance with the enabling law.

    This process indicates the rigours and steps involved in the making of the Estate Surveyor and Valuer (ESV) via: (a) formal training at a tertiary institution, (b) passing professional qualifying/practice examinations, (c) practical training in professional competence, (d) being elected a professional Associate Member and (e) finally being registered/licensed by the ESVARBON.

    The ESVARBON is a statutory body established under Decree No. 24 of 1975 (now Act) Cap E 13, LFN, 2004. This law marked a turning point in the Estate Surveying and Valuation profession in Nigeria.

    Estate Management is not only a professional course but has the law of the land that backs it up and also gives it the enabling authority.

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    The Estate Surveyor and Valuer is supposed to continue his training by attending the annual professional activities as organised by the NIESV, ESVARBON or jointly by both bodies.

    The activities of the Estate Surveyor and Valuers in Nigeria are controlled by both NIESV – the professional body, and ESVARBON – the government regulatory body.

    The Nigerian economy has witnessed many ups and downs at various times in history like other developing countries.

    The economy, which was affected by the global economic meltdown of the 2007/2008 period, went into recession with negative growth in the last quarter of 2015 and came out of it in 2016 and was greatly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

    The government revenues are still dominated by the oil and gas sector to the detriment of the potential of agriculture, manufacturing, technology, landed and other resources.

    The security challenges have added to the economic hardships, especially in commercial and agricultural activities.

    The governments at all levels find it difficult to run balanced budgets.

    The high inflation rate presently, at more than 30 per cent, the high debt overhang, the high unemployment rate, poor educational and health facilities, descript infrastructural facilities and others, are common hiccups in the turbulent Nigerian economy.

    The economy is not in the best of form, with the security challenges and other harsh environments threatening both local and foreign investments.

    The nature of the economy notwithstanding, the functions of the Estate Surveyors and Valuers are not diminished, as they always have very important contributions to make to the polity.

    Whether in a depressed, recessionary or booming economy or in a wartime or peaceful period, they are always relevant.

    Ezeudu, C. U. (2019), in his paper presented to the National Association of Estate Management Student Association at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ife stated the need to equip estate management professionals with entrepreneurial skills for nation al development in solving the present challenges on the ground, especially with increasing rate of growing population, unemployment, homelessness, high poverty rate, infrastructural decay and related evils.

    There is an urgent need to devise ways of effectively utilising our resources, including land resources, through entrepreneurship, which is now seen as a great factor of production.

    This is advocated by Tijani A. J. (2019) in his retirement speech after 32 years of service, stated: “Land is still the king of production though the world in general has added more wealth in recent years through technology and innovations which are mainly derived from entrepreneurship and human capital.”

    We have to take the issue of skill acquisition seriously for sustainable development.

    The ESV is a professional who specialises in appraisal/valuation for many purposes including plant and machinery assets, viability tests, merger/takeover bids, privatization, tax management, project/property development and management, land acquisition and compensation, real estate agency, environmental planning, arbitration, etc.

    The services of the ESV in Nigeria are required in the following establishments: federal and state ministries; the Urban and Regional Planning Board; the Internal Revenue Boards; rating authorities and valuation units of the local governments in Nigeria; the Probate Section of the State High Courts; parastatals; companies;  banks; educational institutions; private sector, etc.

    Therefore, one should strive hard from academic institutions through professional training at the NIESV and ESVARBON in order to render his professional services as an Estate Surveyor and Valuer in the Nigerian Economy.

    The motto of the NIESV, Honesty and Devotion, should always be observed, especially in the era of looking for easy fortunes through shortcuts and cutting corners.

    May God continue to sustain the hardworking Estate Surveyors and Valuers in their positive contributions to the Nigerian Economy.

    • Onyeka is an Associate Nigerian Institute of Estate Surveyors and Valuers

  • Estate surveyors pay final respects to visionary leader

    Estate surveyors pay final respects to visionary leader

    The Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) has paid its final respects to Elder Olatunde Adegbemile, who passed away on December 25, 2024 at 89.

    A founding member and the 10th Chairman of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors-Nigeria Group, Elder Adegbemile was widely regarded as a visionary leader and a distinguished professional. 

    Alongside his peers, he played a pivotal role in establishing the Institution, which today stands as a pillar of excellence in the profession. 

    Known for his vast knowledge and expertise, he co-founded Adegbemile, Akinlosotu & Co and served as its Managing Partner until his passing.

    NIESV President and Chairman of Council, Victor Alonge, praised Elder Adegbemile’s unwavering dedication, integrity, and commitment to the profession. He highlighted Adegbemile’s exemplary service as Honorary Secretary of the Lagos State Branch, Honorary National Secretary of the Institution, and Chairman of the Estate Surveyors and Valuers Registration Board of Nigeria.

    “His contributions to the growth and progress of the Institution will forever be remembered. He was a beacon of selflessness, integrity, and forthrightness. We are grateful for the life he lived, the service he rendered, and the indelible mark he left on our profession”, Alonge stated.

    Reflecting on his legacy, Alonge added, “Though he has embarked on his final journey, his essence lives on. He leaves behind undeniable legacies—an embodiment of humility, inspiration, and dedication. His life remains a model for all to emulate”.

    Elder Adegbemile dedicated his life to expanding the influence of the estate surveying profession, upholding its highest ideals, and demonstrating a relentless commitment to excellence. Alonge urged members of the Institution to embrace the values Adegbemile embodied and let his legacy inspire future generations.

    To his family and loved ones, he offered words of comfort, affirming that Elder Adegbemile had merely answered the call to eternal glory and now rests in the presence of the Almighty.

    The Chapter President, FCAI Akin Opatola, described Elder Adeghemile as a visionary leader and a pillar of excellence, highlighting his dedication, expertise, and leadership. He emphasized that Elder Adeghemile’s unwavering commitment to excellence and professionalism profoundly impacted the field, inspiring countless individuals and leaving an enduring legacy within the institution.

    His steadfast dedication to integrity, ethics, and best practices served as a guiding light, offering hope and inspiration to many. He mentored numerous professionals, generously sharing his vast knowledge with humility. Always approachable, his counsel was highly regarded, and his influence will continue to shape future generations, motivating them to strive for excellence.

    According to Opatola, Elder Adegbemile was a trailblazer who recognised the profession’s growth potential and worked tirelessly to advance its interests. His contributions were invaluable, and his efforts yielded lasting benefits in many ways.

    “We remember him as a man of wisdom, compassion, and kindness—a loyal friend, a trusted colleague, and a devoted family man. Though his passing leaves an irreplaceable void, his memory will forever remain in our hearts and minds,” Opatola expressed, vowing to uphold the high standards of professionalism that Elder Adegbemile championed.

    Chairman of the Estate Surveyors and Valuers Registration Board of Nigeria (ESVARBON), Dosu Fatokun, described the late ESV Olatunde Adegbemile as a distinguished professional whose career exemplified the long-advocated model for sustainable growth in the profession. He noted that Adegbemile’s extensive tenure as a partner at the reputable firm of Fox and Company laid a strong foundation for the firm’s eventual indigenization, transitioning into Adegbemile, Agangan, Akinlosotu and Co under his leadership.

    Fatokun highlighted Adegbemile’s reserved nature, emphasising his significant contributions behind the scenes toward the orderly development of the profession through quality counsel and active participation in developmental programs.

    “As the 5th Chairman of ESVARBON, serving from 1990 to 1996, he set an exceptional standard of dedication and professionalism. His tenure was marked by an unwavering commitment that continues to inspire us all. His passing is a profound loss to our profession, and his contributions will always be remembered,” Fatokun stated.

    Read Also: ‘Estate surveyors should be professional, innovative’

    He further noted that Adegbemile’s leadership was defined by vision and steadfast dedication. His tenure saw a remarkable 110.27per cent increase in the number of registered Estate Surveyors and Valuers, rising from 448 to 942 by 1996. Additionally, he successfully lobbied the supervising Ministry of Works and Housing to release the professional subventions allocated to ESVARBON in the national budget.

    As the Board’s longest-serving Chairman, Adegbemile’s influence extended far beyond his official duties, fostering a culture of integrity and excellence that remains foundational to the profession. Fatokun described him as a mentor who was always willing to share his vast knowledge and experience, with a passion for estate surveying and valuation that was matched only by his dedication to the profession’s growth and evolution.

    Acknowledging the significant milestones achieved under Adegbemile’s leadership, Fatokun reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to preserving his legacy and continuing to shape the profession’s future in his honour.

  • Estate surveyors boost practice with resource centre

    To improve knowledge in its practice and bridge professional gap, the Lagos State chapter of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV), has established a resource centre and an e-library.

    The facility, located in the Ikeja Office of the Institution, is part of the initiative being put in place by the state executives, which aims to bring international standard to the profession locally.

    NIESV Chairman, Lagos branch, Mr. Olurogba Orimolade, explained that the resource centre will ensure that training, which hitherto are not undertaken in the country, take place on a weekly and monthly basis in specialised areas.

    “The resource centre will help us bring in people to teach us those technologies; the advantage is that nobody will have the need to go abroad for those skills. We are not only concerned about our fees, but also building capacity of our members. Foreign companies in Nigeria are using new technologies and that alone is disqualifying project managers meant to be supervising certain jobs,” he explained.

    Conducting journalists around the 11-seater classroom resource centre, Orimolade said it is designed to have the most current equipment and devices for organised master classes/training workshops. The main vision for the centre, he said, is to focus on training in key areas in the real estate industry, especially in the estate surveying and valuation profession.

    “This resource centre will be one of the tools that should help improve the professional skill set of our members and the public at large, through the various trainings and master classes which will be taking place there. The e-library has been created in a similar fashion. The plan is to have computer systems with unlimited Internet access for members mainly for the purpose of research,” he explained.

    The centre and e-library are part of the showcase during the 2018 Estate Surveyors and Valuers’ Week, which commenced last Sunday and will end tomorrow. The key highlight of the week included the inauguration of the remodelled branch secretariat by the President of NIESV, Roland Abonta, among others.

    On the protracted Land Use Charge, Orimalade said the branch will submit its report to the Lagos state government. The report, he revealed, is expected to advise the government on areas to improve upon, among others.

    “We have asked the government to look at the process from the angle that people want to pay tax but there should be clarity. The government has a right to come up with tax but the argument is if it is fair,” he said.

  • Estate surveyors urged on opportunities in land

    Estate surveyors have been urged to explore the  Geographic Information System (GIS) in land administration as it provides great business oportunities and strategies for  practitioners and the government.

    The Deputy Director Estate, Lagos State Ministry of Housing, Mrs. Olayinka Patunola-Ajayi, gave the advice at a Stakeholders’ meeting of the Faculty of Land Administration and Geographic Information System (GIS) of the Nigeria Institute of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV).

    According to her, GIS involves centralising land and information about its ownership under one authority which regulates the structure and patterns of ownership, land use, and access of the public to land resources in a sustainable manner from environmental and economic perspectives. A good land administration system, she maintained, aims at equitable distribution of wealth to encourage  growth and development.

    She described the GIS as a powerful tool in the management and analysis of the large amount of basic data and information – statistical, spatial and temporal – to generate information in the form of maps, tabular and textual reports or land use decisions. It also provides the tool for modernising and improving the management system, efficiently, functionally and flexiby, which make it the most adopted system of land administration across the world.

    “The GIS involves two fields -mechanical/statistical and geographical representation of land and the various reasons for the adoption of the GIS are increased in the amount of land documentation growth, global challenges technology development, improved data quality among others.

    Urging real estate professionals to be determined to create wealth from land for the benefit of the citizenry, she noted that the GIS provides opportunities for stakeholders to increase their data and service provision within their traditional domain.

    Patunola-Ajayi said to take advantage of the opportunities, practitioners must take the bull by the horn and call for a synergy with the government and private entities to ensure that the benefits of GIS were reaped.

    She, however, noted that GIS has the potential to support society’s evolving humankind and land relationship by providing information to make favourable decisions for sustainable development in land management.

    Land, as a basic economic resource, she further explained, is incontrovertible. This is because apart from being a fundamental base for all economic activities and also a source of food and sustenance, land offers the greatest support for an efficient market economy, particularly because of its ability to be used as collateral for loans to other productive activities, among others.

    Another surveyor, Mr. Akinade Tijani, sees land as an asset which includes anything on the ground, such as building, crops, fences, trees, water above the ground and under the ground. Therefore, he argued, land administration is a process whereby land and the information about it is effectively managed.

    However, Tijani explained that as population increases and resources became scarce, the competition for land become more intense and man began to realise that he could get more from less if he applied his intellect. This would not have been possible, if he did not have control over the asset, thereby leading to the evolution of land administration.

    Other reasons for land administration, according to Tijani, include to provide and guarantee stability in the way land is accessed; to implement land-related laws and policies, to ensure economic development, to ensure security of tenure and to ensure stability and certainty in the land market, and to raise revenue.

    Tijani explained the GIS as a computer-based system for the handling of geographically referenced information. He described it as a system designed to capture, store, manipulate, analyse, manage and present spatial or geographic data. The system also has the capability to link attribute or relational data to spatial data.

    “GIS is conceived manly as set tools to assist in many human activities that can be geo-referenced. The application of GIS to land administration was pioneered in the Scandinavian region of Europe and they preferred the term land information system which means a geographic information system for cadastral and land use mapping, typically consisting of an accurate, current and reliable land record, cadasters and associated attributes,” he explained.

    Tijani also spoke about the components of land administration, corresponding agencies, organisations and bodies for administering the identified processes in Lagos State which are; Land Use and Allocation Office, Lagos State Lands Registry, Lagos state valuation office etc., including noting the requirement for participation in the process of Land administration and the opportunities available to practitioners.

    On the presentation, the Faculty of Land Administration and GIS of NIESV Chairman, Mr. Dapo Ogunlewe, said they were eye- opening for its members and had further enhanced their knowledge about opportunities of the GIS.

    “The papers were really eye- opening.They made us to see so many opportunities that exist businesswise in the area of land administration, the way and manner our members can benefit financially and do better things with it,” Ogunlewe added.

     

  • The Estate Surveyors and Valuers Registration Board of Nigeria (ESVARBON), has indicated its readiness to clamp down on excesses of quacks in the sector, especially that of the estate agency.

    A former director of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Mrs. Folasade Odutola has attributed the problems in the aviation sector to undue interference with the regulator’s job schedule.

    Addressing reporters in Lagos on the preview of her book, titled: The Big Conspiracy, she noted that regulators have not been given free hands to perform their task of ensuring that airlines comply with basic requirement.

    Expatiating, she stressed that physical look of an air- craft was not a guarantee that it was in good condition. This, she said blindly swayed the clean bills given to some of them in the past and at grave risk.

    She said documentation has been compromised, largely at the peril of the aviation industry.

    Odutola further explained that the book reflected on her experience in the industry and stressed that effort to ensure standard was marred by internal politics and power play.

    She said: “The hazard of playing politics and being hypocritical with safety regulation are clearly reflected in the book. It shows the ugly face of office politics and power play and their detrimental effect on those at the receiving ends.

    “Any airline that does not want to be thoroughly screened has no business being there. Any country that cannot guarantee safety has no business operating the sector.”

    Odutola, who is also an erstwhile Rector of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria, Kaduna State, added that it was not only in the safety of aircraft that could be fraught with challenges but other departments.

     

  • Estate surveyors move against quacks

    How can quacks be stopped from the surveying profession? It is by registering more qualified surveyors and valuers, Estate Surveyor and Valuers Registration Board of Nigeria (ESVARBON), says Mr. Ayodele Sangosanya, chairman.

    He spoke this at the 32nd induction for new estate surveyors in Lagos, last weekend.

    Sangosanya said the institute was collaborating with some law enforcement agencies to check pseudo-practice and said the board had taken to court some quacks who did not heed its warning.

    The board, he said, had approved the use of pseudonym for persons who wish to practise estate surveying and valuation without their families names. The board has forwarded guidelines for the formation of mega-firms with pseudonyms to the Federal Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development for gazetting. On the change, he explained that it was to encourage mega practice in line with international best practices.

    Sangosanya advised estate surveyors & valuers to maintain integrity and discipline in the discharge of their duties.

    He said another challenge the Board was facing is how to accelerate the registration of new entrants to meet with the rapidly growing population of the nation.

    Out of a population of over 160 million, the Board, he said, in finding ways of producing many more registered estate surveyors and valuers without lowering standards.

    The guest speaker and a former president of the institution, Mr Yinka Sonaike told the inductees that the stamp, seal and certificate they have been given were life instruments provided they are not misused. He encouraged them to be disciplined and work on having a solid reputation, which requires sacrifice and of immense importance to the profession.

    President, Nigeria Institution of Estate Surveyors & Valuers (NIESV), Mr Emeka Eleh, urged members to assist the proposed learning centre financially. The president who was represented by a former President of the institution, Mr William Odudu, also disclosed the plans of the institution to upgrade centre to a degree-awarding college.

  • Experts seek more training for estate surveyors

    Experts seek more training for estate surveyors

    •’Focus on aircraft, oil and gas installations’

    FOR surveyors estate and valuers to be relevant, they should embrace training in valuation and acquisitions, a past president and Fellow of the American Society of Appraisers, Mr Leslie H. Miles, has said.

    He spoke at the international seminar on plant and machinery organised by the Faculty of Plant and Machinery of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors & Valuers (NIESV) in Lagos.

    He said the opportunity offered by wealthy Nigerians who have high taste for private jets presents a unique chance for surveyors to put their training at the disposal of the society who are in need of it.

    He stressed that the profession is not only about the ‘letting agency’ , but that practitioners should step up to the more challenging and technical aspect of the profession which encompasses the valuation of aircraft , oil and gas installations.

    He said a surveyor could only be competitive with self-development in other areas to acquire the rudimentary knowledge they need to value such high value assets for clients.

    Miles, who is on the Faculty of the American Society of Appraisers Education Committee, encouraged networking with his colleagues to remain relevant.

    He also said in appraising an aircraft, the key knowledge needed include the year it was manufactured, model and what use the aircraft is put into.

    The questions to ask, he said, should also include, identifying if it is a cargo aircraft, special use airplane and an air plane kept in the museum as static display.

    According to him, the understanding of the specification of the item to appraise is of almost importance to arrive at a no controversial appraisal figure.

    Earlier, chairman, Faculty of Plant and Machinery of the institution, Mr Paul Osaji, said they decided on the theme due to their belief that aviation is key to any economy, especially when there is a heightened interest in the acquisition of private jets by wealthy Nigerians.

    He said estate surveyors need to be trained and retrained on how to effectively value and appraise aircrafts and related objects. He said : “ The value of businesses are growing and most chief executives need to move around quickly, safely and conveniently in their own jets but they need to be guided in terms of pricing and maintenance after the purchase. It’s one thing to spend a fortune to acquire a jet and another to maintain it to the extent that it will have a second hand value.”

    Osaji said there is no better time to get the training than that the nation has moved from having 50 private aircraft to 200 to prevent air mishaps due to improper maintenance by the owners or age valuation of the aircrafts before purchase.

    He said they have the adequate training and expertise to do valuation on any type of asset.

  • Estate surveyors identify barriers to practice

    Estate surveyors identify barriers to practice

    To instill sanity and discipline in their profession, surveyors and valuers have agreed to adhere strictly to ethics, professionalism and international best practices. They have also advocated sanctions against breach and commendation when necessary, writes OKWY IROEGBU-CHIKEZIE

    The increasing number of quacks and impostors in estate surveying practice has created a credibility crisis in the profession.

    To check the menace, senior members of the Nigeria Institution of Estate Surveyors& Valuers (NIESV) Lagos branch, under the aegis of Heads of Practice, have stressed the need for members to imbibe ethics, professionalism and responsibility in service delivery to improve their earnings and worth in the eye of the public.

    In a paper, entitled Professionalism, Ethics and Responsibility Essentials of the 21st century, delivered  by Mr Yinka Omotosho, a fellow of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors, United Kingdom, he regretted that the practice seem to differ from what is obtainable in the United Kingdom.

    He noted that unethical behaviour seems to have crept into the profession through big firms, frontiers, pioneers and senior professionals in the name of meeting targets or making more money.

    He said: “We cannot shy away from the fact that unethical behaviour is eating deep into the credibility fabrics and continuity of our vocation. Our profession is on the brink of collapse if nothing is done to arrest the situation.”

    He warned that estate surveying may be on the brink of collapse if nothing was done to arrest the situation. Omotosho noted that in the United Kingdom, a surveying firm carryies out its work with skill, care, diligence and proper regard for technical standards expected of it.

    “It should also assist employees in their learning, operate a complaints handling procedure, and preserve the security of clients’ money entrusted to its care while managing transactions and using an accounting system appropriate to the business, amongst others,” he said.

    However, he said the same could not be said of the practice in Nigeria where clients lose their cash in transaction, pay more than the value of a property and the withholding of their document by surveyors.

    He advocated tougher sanctions for defaulting members and firms. He also canvassed the inclusion  of professional ethics and practice in universities and polytechnics curricula.

    In his response, the president, Nigeria Institution of Estate Surveyors & Valuers, Mr Emeka Eleh, agreed with some of the observed abuses. He, however, said they had repositioned the practice to try cases of abuse within six months by the Professional Practice Committee. Mr Eleh noted that sanction grows “every society and we cannot shy away from wielding the big stick on erring members.”

    Chairman of the event, Mr Olalekan Dosunmu identified personal interest, political influence as the bane of the practice in the country and called for a change.

    Chairman, NIESV, Lagos branch, Mr. Sola Fatoki said the idea of the conference is to position the practice for a better practice in view of some formidable challenges facing the profession in the country. The challenges he enumerated, include infiltration by quacks and non patronage by government among others.

    Chief Kola Akomolede also decried the lack of sanction of erring firms and poor skills of some members. He urged the institution to step the disciplinary arm of the practice to put members in check to adhere to the ethics of the profession.