The Federal Government has called on estate surveyors and valuers to uphold excellence and integrity in their profession.
The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, stated this during the inauguration ceremony of the newly constituted Estate Surveyors and Valuers Registration Board of Nigeria in Abuja recently.
He emphasised the critical role of surveyors in housing delivery, urban planning, and preventing building collapses across Nigeria.
Dangiwa highlighted the importance of the ESVARBON board in transforming Nigeria’s housing sector as part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“Estate surveyors and valuers play an important role in successfully delivering affordable housing across Nigeria. Their professional expertise ensures that land and property valuations are accurate and reflect fair market values, which is crucial for facilitating cost-effective housing solutions,” he stated.
The minister further charged the board to prioritise the promotion of excellence and integrity within the profession.
“I, hereby, inaugurate the Estate Surveyors and Valuers Registration Board of Nigeria. I acknowledge your dedication and expertise and charge you to see your appointment as an opportunity to contribute towards the actualisation of the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for housing and urban development.
“I, therefore, charge this board to promote excellence in estate surveying and valuation, uphold the integrity of the profession, foster collaboration and knowledge sharing, and advance the interests of members and the public,” Dangiwa averred.
The ESVARBON board, a 22-member body established under Decree No. 24 of 1975, has faced challenges in fulfilling its mandates due to the expiration of terms for several board members, leading to a shortage of active members.
Surveyors advocate storey building monitoring with the board’s reconstitution, the minister expressed confidence in its ability to regulate and control the practice of estate surveying and valuation in Nigeria effectively.
“This board is tasked with determining who qualifies as estate surveyors and valuers, establishing the required standards of knowledge and skill, maintaining a register of qualified persons, and regulating the profession,” he noted.
Also, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Marcus Ogunbiyi, praised the consistency of the minister in inaugurating keyboards under the ministry’s supervision.
He stressed the significance of maintaining the highest standards of practice and ethics within the profession.
“The inauguration of this board is not just a formal requirement but a critical step in ensuring the highest standard of practice and ethics within the profession. As estate surveyors and valuers, you are entrusted with responsibilities that impact not only the economy but also the lives of individuals.
“It is, therefore, very important that the decisions you make, the advice you give, and the valuations you provide are rooted in integrity and accuracy,” he said.
Ogunbiyi further emphasised the board’s role in safeguarding the profession’s reputation, adding, “The goal is to serve as a guardian of these standards. The board is tasked with the registration, regulation, and oversight of all participating estate surveyors and valuers, among other vital functions.”
In his remarks, the newly appointed Chairman of ESVARBON, Dosu Fatokun, assured that the board would operate with integrity, professionalism, and transparency.
“As we embark on this new chapter, the board will continue to significantly contribute to the growth and development of the Nigerian economy by providing expert advice to the government,” he said.
