By Emmanuel Badejo

Mr. Babatunde Fashola, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and Minister of Works and Housing, has called on estate surveyors and valuers to explore digital technology innovation to promote professionalism and unlock infrastructure deficit. 

The Minister, who made the call at the 44th induction ceremony for newly registered estate surveyors and valuers, organised by Estate Surveyors and Valuers Registration Board of Nigeria (ESVARBON) in Abuja last week said, this would noticeable growth and development in the country. 

Represented by Abubakar Aliyu. The Minister of State Works Housing and an engineer, Fashola, who noted that, the nation was going through infrastructure renaissance, said the services of estate surveyors and valuers were greatly needed to deliver topnotch projects. 

He charged them to deplore technology to help the government in solving the challenge. 

“As newly inducted estate surveyors and valuers, I implore you to explore other technology innovations in enhancing professionalism and good service delivery in your day-to-day task. 

“Your responsibilities have now been increased as trust of the government is about infrastructures, which requires professionals like you to help drive our interests and safeguard this institution. 

“I want to also use this opportunity to challenge you not to rest on your little achievements but to continue to thrive towards loftier goals by making Nigeria a better place for economic growth and development. 

“The board should ensure that the stock of estate surveyors and values increases to meet the needs of the nation” he charged the Board. 

Also, the Minister revealed that, the ministry was in the process of implementing the International Public Sector Accounting Standard (IPSAS) by carrying out valuation exercises in all federal secretariats across the country to achieve internalization and management of decision-making. 

According to him, many estate surveyors and valuers have submitted expression of interest to execute the valuation work, which is currently going through the procurement process

“Presently, as you are aware, the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing is desirous with the Implementation of International Public Sector Accounting Standard by carrying out valuation exercise in all federal secretariats across the country to achieve internalization and management of decision making. 

According to the Minister “Today you have registered up to 4000 practitioners and about 35 accredited institutions of higher learning. 

“Challenges are extremely large particularly in the area of legislation, little recognition by the public, invasion of the industry by unlicensed and non-professional among others. The ministry is doing all towards creating an enabling environment where estate surveyors and valuers can thrive and make an impact to support the economy. 

Charging the newly licensed estate surveyor and valuers, Esv Gersh Henshaw, Chairman of the Board, who congratulated the newly registered surveyors, however, urged them to be of good conduct and character in their dealings. 

He admonished them to adhere to the professional standard in their day-to-day activities. 

He reminded them that the instruments of practice that were handed over to them including the seal and stamps and certificates remained the properties of the Board, which can be withdrawn anytime any of them goes against the rules and regulations. 

“I am using this time to inform Nigerians to seek redress with the Board should any estate surveyor and valuer does contrary to the tenets of our profession. I am assuring that the Board will address your case without fear or favour. 

“As you relish in the moment of today’s event being a red letter day of your life, it is important to remind you that the instruments of practice that will be handed over to you today; that is, the Seal and Stamps, though bearing your names, remain properties of the Board which can be withdrawn from you if you ply your practice contrary to approved rules and regulations.” 

He warned the inductees to be wary of the Investigating Panel and the Disciplinary Tribunal of the Board, set up to check excesses, compliance with the declarations as well as ensuring overall professional discipline of all practitioners.