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Tag: Surveyors

  • Surveyors urge government to prioritise surveying for economic growth

    Surveyors urge government to prioritise surveying for economic growth

    Surveyors have called on the federal and state governments to prioritise surveying in the building and construction industry as a means of driving growth and ensuring sustainability in Nigeria’s economy.

    They noted that reliable survey plans, spatial data, and land information provided by professional surveyors are vital to land transactions, safeguarding property rights, resolving land-related conflicts, preventing demolitions, fostering efficient infrastructure development, and promoting sustainable urban planning—all of which attract investment and create jobs.

    President of the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors (NIS), Surv. Pius Eze, gave the charge at the 2025 Sanyaolu Memorial Annual Lecture, held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta, Ogun State. 

    Read Also: Enhancing estate surveyors, valuers’ role in economic development

    The theme of the lecture was “The Legal, Technical, and Fiscal Considerations for a Successful Systematic Land Titling and Registration Programme.”

    Eze stressed the importance of allowing professional surveyors to produce plans that serve as the foundation for projects in the building industry.

    “The theme is very timely, and it is what will help the economy of Nigeria by placing the right thing in the right place,” he said, emphasising that surveying is one of the bedrocks of meaningful and sustainable development.

    He also addressed the issue of disputes arising from survey plans, calling for a system that ensures only qualified and registered surveyors are engaged in the process.

    In his remarks, Chairman of the NIS Ogun State Branch, Surv. Abiodun Olufemi, described the annual lecture as a testament to the Institution’s commitment to advancing the profession of surveying and promoting excellence in land management.

  • Surveyors seek more enforcement to curb quackery

    Surveyors seek more enforcement to curb quackery

    The Association of Private Practising Surveyors of Nigeria, (APPSN), a sub group of the Nigerian Institute of Surveyor(NIS), has stressed the need for concerted efforts towards dealing with the prevalence of quackery in the surveying profession through enforcement.

    The surveyors, who spoke at the 2024 Annual Professional Workshop and Luncheon, with the theme: “The practice of cadastral; Understanding the technicalities, ethics, market dynamics, policies, innovation/reforms, value added services and its politics,” urged  their colleagues to continuously abide by ethical standards by leveraging on technology to foster a sustainable and quality cadastral practices to provide reputable services.

    The guest lecturer, Olumide Adewebi, urged practitioners to shun sharp practice and other activities that could tarnish their image.

    Read Also: Akpabio, Bamidele charge estate surveyors, valuers on national development

    Adewebi, who noted that surveying is a competitive business, urged professionals in the state to break the cycle of regular undercutting and agent signing as well as a deliberate effort at addressing challenges of Cadastral practice in the state to ensure sustainability.

    He called for enhanced training, education and regulations to address quackery in a bid to further ensure growth and lucrative Cadastral practice in the State.

    In his welcome address, APPSN’s Chairman, Lagos branch, Ibikunle Adaranijo, said the aim of the event was to provide an opportunity to educate professionals on emerging trends, equipping them with knowledge and expositions in cadastral practice.

    He also solicited the support of all stakeholders in eradicating quackery in the profession, affirming his association’s determination not to relent on its campaign against the menace.

    “We will not relent on our campaign against quackery, even on our radio programme aired every Friday on Radio Lagos, we always harp on this and our effort is already yielding results”.

    “It is not only the issue of quackery that we are tackling, the issue of unethical practices are also given priority as well.”

    He recalled that recently, some surveyors in the Office of Surveyor General were suspended for one year over unethical practice and facing trial in court for their action. 

    “We will not relent in educating, training and re-training our members in order to meet up with current trends in the profession,” he said . 

  • Surveyors stress ethical practice

    Surveyors stress ethical practice

    Surveyors Council of Nigeria (SURCON) in Lagos State has urged professionals to embrace ethical practice.

    Chairman of its State Committee on Ethics and Practices (SSCE), Ayokunnu Adesina, spoke at the second interactive and orientation for resident and non-resident surveyors

    He said the session was to engage and update prospective members on surveying requirements as government is committed to a comprehensive digital mapping.

    Adesina, permanent secretary/state surveyor-general, noted surveying is a noble profession built on ethical practice.

    “We must embrace nobility, as our services demand highest standards. We cannot compromise integrity or reputation of our profession,” he said.

    The chairman felicitated resident and non-resident private practising surveyors on their qualification as surveyors.

    Such height, he said, is a testament to their dedication, commitment and training.

    “I wish you success in good health throughout your professional career,” he added.

    Adesina also enjoined the over 800 registered state surveyors to shun unethical conduct, saying their behaviour and decision-making are fundamental to ensuring positive change in society.

    Read Also: Lagos Police arrests robbery suspect

    Chairman of Body of Fellows at Nigerian Institute of Surveyor (NIS) in Lagos, Afolabi Solesi, hailed Adesina for the seamless induction, and  urged members to be disciplined.

    Olumide Adewebi, addressing the inductees, noted few areas to focus on as a surveyor

    He said: “Your focus should be on ethical practice, legal compliance, client communication, global positioning system, safeguarding information, collaboration etc.”

    Adewebi noted Lagos State, with the highest intakes, has more areas for practice.

    He asked inductees to be careful about steps they take in starting the profession.

    “The first step is your most crucial so, be careful of your this because what you start with is what you end with.

    “You don’t need to know every form of practice to be the best, you don’t need all equipment, rather you need to know what you need, when you need it and how you can get it,” he advised.

  • Surveyors to interrogate data for cost management

    Surveyors to interrogate data for cost management

    The Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS) said it intends to interrogate crucial aspects of Data for Cost Management of Infrastructure, and Procurement Strategies for Cost-Effective Infrastructure Development.

    The interrogation would also include Cost Management Best Practices, Sustainable Infrastructure Finance and Investment, Policy, standard and Regulatory Frameworks.

    President NIQS, Olayemi Shonubi who made the statement said the way for Infrastructural growth in Nigeria is the use of professionals in the required fields.

    Shonubi said this yesterday in Abuja at a briefing organised by the institute in preparation for its biennial conference and general meeting scheduled to hold between November 21 and 25 in Abuja.

    The President accused the government of not judiciously using professionals in the country in the right places that they are needed.

    Read Also:Surveyors pledge unity, collaboration

    He said: “We believe that by fostering collaborative dialogue among industry experts, policymakers, researchers, and thought leaders, we can address the multifaceted challenges impeding our nation’s pursuit of comprehensive and sustainable infrastructural growth. Our collective / efforts, showcased through this conference, will pave the way for a more resilient and economically sustainable future.

    “As a matter of fact, we shouldn’t be having issues if building collapse I this country because we have well trained professionals, anywhere in the world, it is quantity surveyors that handle cost management of Infrastructures but here in Nigeria some other professionals would do the work, it us just like giving the work of a doctor to a nurse.

    “The way for Infrastructure growth in Nigeria is the use of professionals in the field but in Nigeria the relevant professional has never been encouraged to practice his trade to ensure that every Nigerian gets the value for every money that is spent on their behalf by the government because the money does not belong to the government but the people.”

  • Surveyors pledge unity, collaboration

    Surveyors pledge unity, collaboration

    Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) in Lagos State has a new chairman, Gbenga Ismail. 

     In his address, Ismail promised to advance the goals and values of the institution.

    “As we embark on this journey, I emphasise the importance of unity and collaboration. We are professionals with unique skills and experiences, and can achieve excellence in Estate Surveying and Valuation together,” he said.

    Read Also: NIS to acquire aircraft, drones for border surveillance

    Continuing, he said, “my vision is to foster innovation and continuous learning. We will stay in the forefront of industry trends and data analysis, embrace technology and adapt to the changing landscape of real estate and valuation.”

    Ismail hoped that, by doing so, they would enhance their professional capabilities and provide greater value to their clients and the public.

    Hakeem Ogunniran, managing director of Eximia Realty, who chaired the occasion, advised that as funding continued to be a challenge in housing, stakeholders should think of innovative ways to fund projects in a sustainable manner.

  • Surveyors to Nigerians: shun quacks

    Surveyors to Nigerians: shun quacks

    The Association of Private Practicing Surveyors of Nigeria (APPSN), Lagos State Branch, yesterday advised Nigerians to shun quacks and patronise only professionals to prevent the loss of land and investments.

    Its Chairman, Ibikunle Adaranijo, gave the advice in Lagos during the association’s Annual Professional Workshop and Luncheon.

    The workshop was tagged: “The future of the geospatial profession; Consulting and business prospective”.

    Adaranijo said the event was aimed at capacity building for  surveyors, taming quackery and  to equip them with technology to move with global trends.

    He said quacks constituted a problem for the professionals, adding that their patrons would record losses because the work done by quacks would be detected when they are seeking Certificate of Occupancy’s approval.

    Adaranijo said to protect the public, APPSN embarked on sensitisation on risks and benefits of using only registered surveyors.

    According to him, there is an application to guide the public  on the information about his association and list and contacts of registered surveyors for patronage.

    He listed the objectives of APPSN and how it complemented the NIS and Surveyors Council of Nigeria (SURCON) in upholding ethics.

    Also, the guest speaker, Dr Shola Ajani, called for more awareness, collaboration and use of technology against quacks.

    Ajani urged the APPSN and  other surveyor bodies to create a platform where quacks could be trained to close the gap on shortage of experts.

    “The entire nation has just about 6,000 experts and the vacuum has created a huge demand which helps the quacks thrive.

    “Surveyors are also guilty of varying their operations from land, to quantities and other aspects of the practice, leaving the public confused. The market place doesn’t know the difference.

    Read Also: ‘Surveyors, Valuers need to unlock potential in emerging assets’

     “Confusion is responsible for Nigerians’ patronage of quacks because they are confused about the roles of surveyors,”  Ajani, who is founder/CEO, School of Consulting, said.

    He shared business opportunities on how competition, products and clients were important and how to take proactive steps to remain relevant.

    The CEO called for increased registration to boost the 6,000 membership; partnership with the value chain; pre-mapping of areas; enhanced legislation; awareness creation and competency development as ways surveyors could excel.

    He shared tips on how to surmount advertising restrictions on the profession by delving into content marketing, writing articles for solutions in the sector.

    The special guest of honour, Mr Kunle Ogunbadewa, raised the alarm over the declining use of surveyors.

    Ogunbadewa, while declaring the programme open, said surveyors were important in achieving precision and efficiency as well as development of Nigeria.

    Other speakers and the technical sessions discussed pitfalls in survey plans, resolution of ethical issues, ways to avert traps of backdating, validation principles, title resolutions and other rules in line with global practices.

  • ESVARNON urges members to explore potential in intangible assets’ valuation

    ESVARNON urges members to explore potential in intangible assets’ valuation

    Estate Surveyors and Valuers Registration Board of Nigeria (ESVARBON) has called on its members to unlock potential in emerging areas of their profession.

    One of such areas, according to the board, was valuation of intangible assets and intellectual property.

    Chairman, Estate Surveyors and Valuers Registration Board of Nigeria (ESVARBON), Gersh Henshaw, made the charge in Lagos, during the 2023 Valuers Assembly.

    The board also emphasised the need to uphold ethics and standards of the profession, reiterating its readiness to discipline any erring member.

    With a theme: “Regulating Other Areas of Estate Surveying and Valuation Profession”, Henshaw, lamented how estate surveyors and valuers in Nigeria had neglected other areas of their profession.

    He said: “How long shall  we wait to explore and tap into some of the recondite areas of our profession?

    “We have remained constricted by the narrow and restrictive definition of estate surveying and valuation as merely a profession by our enabling Act without recourse to the fact that the profession itself has a very wide vista of aspects and opportunities.”

    In responding to emerging areas of intellectual property, Henshaw said, the Board has accordingly beamed its regulatory search light on the recondite aspects of the profession.

    The Chairman said the Board had chosen to dwell on valuation of intangible assets and intellectual property applying the globally accepted IVS 210.

    Read Also: Fed Govt orders RCC to reconstruct failed sections of Lokoja-Abuja road

    The IVS 210 is an international valuation standard that guides the valuing of intangible assets such as trademarks, patents, customers relationship, among others.

    Reasserting ESVARBON’s resolve to uphold discipline within the profession, its Vice Chairman, Pastor Stephen Jagun, called on members to be courageous to enter complaints of any infraction, assuring that decisive action would be taken against all defaulters.

    He said: “The problem with many of us is that we like to gossip about infractions, but we don’t like to make official complaints.

    “The Board has a disciplinary committee in place to deal with all cases of infractions. We also have the tribunal in place.

    “Let us be courageous to come up with complaints officially. I assure you that, if we make proper entry of any unethical behaviours of estate surveyors and valuers, the Board will do the needful.’

    A House of Representative member, who is also an estate surveyor and valuer, Hon. Gaza Jonathan Gbefwi, commended ESVARBON for the choice of the topic.

    Gbefwi, who represents Karu/Keffi/Kona Federal Constituency, Nasarawa State, said estate surveyors and valuers must know and apply the standard prescribed by IVS 210 in their practice.

    “The application of IVS 210 in the valuation of intangible assets is very relevant and timely, as our profession now faces challenges and opportunities in the global market.

    In his paper, “Valuation of Intangible Assets and Intellectual Property”, Raymond Rath, a guest from the United States of America, who virtually connected with the program, said the role of intangible assets cannot be overemphasised.

    According to him, the competitive advantage of firms is increasingly driven by intangibles.

    He noted that the importance of intangible assets can have unlimited scale.

    He added that physical, human, and financial assets are rival assets in the sense that alternative uses compete for the services of these assets.

    Rath, revealed that a specific deployment of rival assets precludes them from simultaneously being used elsewhere.

  • Marine surveyors to insurers: beware of unregistered operators

    Marine surveyors to insurers: beware of unregistered operators

    The Guild of Marine Surveyors has warned insurance firms against doing businesss with registered surveyors at the ports. 

    A marine surveyor inspects, surveys, or examines marine vessels to assess damage, or monitor their condition and that of any cargo on board.They also inspect equipment intended for new or old vessels to ensure compliance with various standards or specifications. 

     President, Guild of Marine Surveyors of Nigeria, Mr. Wale Adetoro, told reporters that some insurance firms still patronised unregistered surveyors, some of who are not professionals. 

     Stating that the guild is sensitising underwriting firms through the Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA) to carry out due diligence on any appointed surveyor to ensure he or she is registered, he added that, the list of registered ones are on the Guild’s website.

    Read Also: Marine engineers, surveyors seek support, collaboration with Oyetola

     He said: “We still have surveyors operating at the port that are not our members, yet Insurance companies engage them. Most of it is a brown envelope under the table and if they commit any fraudulent act, nobody is there to discipline them. But, in our case, we have punitive measures against erring members which has made every member alive to the discharge of their duties and responsibilities.

     “Most of the importers don’t know who a surveyor or Superintendent is. Awareness is still needed to enlighten importers on what our roles are. We have appealed to insurance companies through the NIA that if they want to appoint, they should go through our website to appoint registered members.’’

     The marine surveyors, according to him, are appointed by insurance firms to supervise cargoes that were earlier insured through marine policy to minimise damage and report to their insurers the level of and reasons for damage. 

     He further stated that marine surveyors work in the port mainly to try and limit claim exposures on marine Insurance through prompt monitoring of the discharged cargoes, such that damages are limited in the process.

     He said: “Insurance companies appoint us to be their face at the port, so we are their representative. However, we have some superintendents who work with the Nigerian Port Authority (NPA). As a group, we are not chartered yet, but we are working towards that. We are interacting with the NIA through the Marine Offices Committee (MOC) of the NIA. We also work, in conjunction with the Shippers Council and NIMASA. MOC consists of the marine technical heads in insurance companies. Through the NIID Marine Portal, it has been able to curb, to some extent, fake marine certificates.” 

     Similarly, the General Secretary, Guild of Marine Surveyors, Festus Nwiue, urged the Shippers Council to ensure stevedores working at the port are adequately insured with liability insurance and are trained on handling of cargoes, stating that most insurance claims arising from marine insurance were as a result of mishandling of cargoes during discharge.

    “Stevedores are the ones with the responsibility of discharging the ship or loading the ships. Stevedores are those who use forklift, crane and so on and are responsible for loading and unloading the ships.They don’t have any insurance cover, they don’t know anything about insurance. So, some mishandle cargoes that lead to damage of goods, hence, increasing the risks marine insurers are exposed to. And they mishandled cargo because they are not held responsible for damages by the Shippers Council. 

    “So, we have recommended to the Shippers Council to ensure that stevedores are made to procure liability insurance cover, so that they will be careful when handling goods.They are doing that because they know they are not held responsible. We urge the regulator to ensure any stevedore working in the ports has insurance cover,” he stressed. 

  • Surveyors seek use of recovered loot for housing

    By Okwy Iroegbu-Chikezie

    The Nigeria Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) has advised the Federal Government to invest over 50 per cent of recovered loot to tackle housing deficit.

    Its First Vice President, Mr. Emma Wike, gave the advice because most of the recovered funds from political office holders and politicians were more of proceeds from housing-related crimes.

    Speaking on the side of an event commemorating World Habitat Day in Lagos, he also urged the government to make  single digit interest loan available for mortgages to curb corruption, noting that most of the corrupt related cases had one thing or the other with housing.

    He said: “The Federal Government should give the housing sector the deserved attention and grant intervention fund as was done in aviation, agriculture, banking and recently, film industry.

    “At least, 50 per cent of all the recovered funds by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) should be channeled to the provision of affordable housing in all states of the federation.

    “There is a need for a review of the National Housing Fund Act to increase the statutory contribution and level of participation”.

    Wike insisted that ownership of a house is a right and encouraged more Public Private Partnership (PPP) between government and operators in the sector.

    While calling on government to be more committed to housing provision as a social responsibility, he insisted that the funds concerned remain the people’s money and should be used for their benefit.

    He called on both the Federal and state governments to be more committed to affordable housing delivery as a core social responsibility to all Nigerians through utilising housing as a catalyst for economic development and arresting urban decay through effective housing delivery strategies.

    He further called on government to engage professionals in the housing delivery value chain, reduce cost through modern techniques and construction materials, build a robust mortgage system in Nigeria with single digit interest rate regime.

    According to him, this will tame crime through city regeneration and further check insurgency.

  • Surveyors urged on urbanisation, slum upgrade

    The Chairman, Raden Investment Ltd, Adeniji Raji, an Engineer has called on estate surveyors to be more proactive in influencing measures that would facilitate proper urbanisation of the country.

    Raji made the call at the Investiture of the 26th Chairman and Executive Committee Members of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) Lagos Chapter, in Lagos.

    He said that many cities in the country were rapidly becoming slum zones due to poor attitude to planning and urban renewal.

    According to him, the physical conditions of most areas in Lagos State which have been abandoned to swamp that can be upgraded to harbour residents through the help of the estate surveyors.

    He  said estate surveyors could influence urban policies and promote strategies that would specifically respond to the urbanisation challenges.

    He said: “Estate surveyors could create an advocacy group with strong government political action committee to influence effective urban planning policies.

    ‘’I fully appreciate the agenda for the next two years of this branch particularly in the area of strategic partnership.  We are all aware that in the recent past, we have seen the growth of public private partnerships in real estate development which I believe is a very welcome development. However, some of our urban centres are rapidly becoming slums because of lack of proper planning. I, therefore, suggest that this branch create an advocacy group.