By Adedapo Adesanya
The federal government has tasked the newly inaugurated Estate Surveyors and Valuers’ Registration Board of Nigeria (ESVARBON) to carry out effective and affordable housing operations that help alleviate the issue in the country.
The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Mr Ahmed Dangiwa, disclosed this on Tuesday while inaugurating the 22-member professional body in Abuja.
He said that it was necessary due to the expiration of terms of several of the board members, which has led to a shortage of active members.
He said that the board had been unable to meet the quorum of 11 members required by the Estate Surveyors and Valuers Registration Act.
According to him, although a new chairman was appointed after the former chairman’s term ended on March 17, the terms of 15 other members have also expired, further contributing to its to function effectively.
“There are five appointees from five states, four from four institutions, three on the minister’s representation, and two from the Institute of Estate Surveyors and Valuers, while the nomination from Oyo State is being awaited.
“It is important to note that the board is an essential organ charged with the duty of overseeing the profession of estate surveying and valuation in Nigeria.
“President Bola Tinubu has mandated the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development to transform the housing sector for the actualisation of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“Therefore, all agencies, institutions, and parastatals under the ministry must be alive to their responsibilities and work hard towards achieving the objectives for which they were set up,’’ he said.
Mr Dangiwa also said that estate surveyors and valuers played an important role in the successful delivery of affordable housing across Nigeria.
He noted that their professional expertise ensured that land and property valuations were accurate and reflected fair market values crucial for facilitating cost-effective housing solutions.
“Furthermore, estate surveyors contribute significantly to urban planning and development.
“They help to ensure that housing projects are well-structured, financially viable, and sustainable. By working closely with developers, they help to optimise resources, making housing more affordable for Nigerians.
“In addition to their role in housing delivery, estate surveyors are critical in preventing building collapses, which this ministry aims to address.
“They do that by ensuring that property inspections and assessments are thorough and in accordance with professional standards,’’ he said.
The minister urged the ESVARBON board to focus on its mandates which include determining who qualifies as estate surveyors and valuers.
He said that the mandate also included establishing the required standards of knowledge and skill for those seeking registration, and maintaining a register of qualified persons and publishing the list periodically.
He added that ESVARBON was tasked with regulating and controlling the practice of estate surveying and valuation, and performing other functions as conferred by the Act.
He, therefore, charged the 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.
On his part, the chairman of the board, Mr Dosu Fatokun, said that with its reconstitution, ESVARBON would continue its vital role of regulating and controlling the practice of the profession to ensure integrity, professionalism and transparency.
“I assure the minister that under my watch, ESVARBON will live up to the expectation of the Federal Government and the public in general,’’ he said.
He said the board would strengthen its regulatory framework, promote innovation, technology and professionalism, folster collaboration, and contribute to the renewed hope housing agenda.
He requested that members of the board should be appointed as facility managers to professionally handle the post-development issues relating to housing estates and cities.
“These include disposal by sale, lease or balloting as well as establishing a facility management model for the new stock of infrastructure.
“A usual derogatory refrain is that Nigeria lacks maintenance culture. The nation’s sizeable public infrastructure is under the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.
“The board offers to partner with the ministry and other built environment professionals to fashion out appropriate maintenance model to improve our infrastructure repairs and upkeep culture in the country.’’