NIESV president, Sir Emmanuel Wike

The Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) has disclosed plans to carry out enumeration of abandoned properties across the state capitals. The institution observed that most of the properties belong to government at various levels, adding that when the process is completed, there will be recommendations on what could be done to ensure their gainful utilisation.

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, he 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 capitalising 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.

On controversy surrounding the housing deficit, he said: “We are in total agreement with you on the unreliability of the 17 million housing deficit being brandished in Nigeria for lacking scientific proof. We are using this opportunity to reaffirm the importance of data bank and commitment to provision of property data bank for all state capitals in Nigeria.”

The president said: “In the developed world where monthly rent is practiced, the mortgage system is effective and entrenched; hence the policy enhances property development there. But in Nigeria, the policy would assuredly impact property investment negatively, considering the uncertainty and volatility of the property market.”

Reacting, Fashola appreciated effort and initiative of the institution on the issues. He assured NIESV of his willingness to strengthen partnership between the ministry and the institution to proffer solutions to the issues.

He stated that government is ready to follow professional advice in pursuance of improvement in the housing sector. On the issue of Land Use Act, the minster acknowledged that there are defects in its administration stressing that if the way it’s been operated can be amended, it will ameliorate most of the issues often raised. He also encouraged the Institution on the need to take the lead and always be an authority in the industry.

The minister urged the institution to document and officially forward to the ministry, all the deliberations and suggestions on policy development, strategic planning and assured that the ministry will follow up.