The Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers , NIESV, intends to conduct an enumeration of abandoned properties across the state capitals of Nigeria, with a view to proposing recommendations to government on how these properties could be gainfully utilized.
NIESV President, Sir Emmanuel Wike, made this known when he led members on a visit to the Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola in Abuja.
To ensure affordable and mass housing provision, especially for urban dwellers and low-income earners, the GUARDIAN newspaper reports that Sir Wike said there was need for Federal Government to review or abrogate the Land Use Act, saying that the Act is inimical to housing provision in Nigeria.
The institution requested government’s support in the review of the Estate Surveyors and Valuers Registration Board of Nigeria Decree No. 24 of 1975, now CAP E13 LFN 2007, which enabled the practice of estate surveying and valuation in Nigeria.
Wike lamented that non-estate surveyors and valuers are capitalizing on some lacuna in the law to delve into valuation, which is one of its core competencies. According to him, estate surveyors and valuers are the only professionals trained and equipped with competences and enabled by law to practice valuation.
NIESV also sought support of the minister on its request for the creation of the position of Valuer-General of the Federation like the existing Auditor-General, Accountant General, Solicitor-General, Surveyor General and others, adding that establishment of the office is capable of enhancing contribution of the profession to national development.
