The Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) has called on its members to unite in protecting the profession from growing encroachment by other disciplines, warning that its continued relevance and survival are under threat.

President of NIESV, Bature Muhammad, expressed concern over what he described as increasing incursions into the field of estate surveying and valuation through legislative actions, lobbying efforts and judicial interpretations by practitioners of other professions.

Speaking during a courtesy visit by executives and members of the Abuja Branch to the institution’s secretariat in Abuja, Muhammad urged estate surveyors and valuers to prioritise the preservation of the profession and promote wider patronage of its services by government agencies and the private sector.

According to him, the survival of the profession should transcend personal interests, stressing that members must work collectively to safeguard the legacy of the institution’s founding fathers.

“The very existence of our profession is being threatened. If all hands are not on deck, it will not be long before the legacy handed down by our founding fathers is eroded, leaving nothing for future generations to inherit,” he said.

Muhammad commended the Abuja Branch for maintaining unity over the years and urged it to sustain its leadership role within the institution.
He also appealed for continued adherence to the tradition of selecting branch chairmen from among members of branch executive committees, noting that experience and institutional memory remain critical ingredients for effective leadership.

The NIESV president emphasised that once elections are concluded, members should put aside differences and focus on addressing challenges facing the profession.

He identified capacity building, technical competence and leadership development as key priorities, adding that strengthening these areas would enhance the profession’s relevance and influence among policymakers.

Chairman of the Abuja Branch, Folake Odusiga, congratulated Muhammad on his emergence as president, expressing confidence that his administration would record significant achievements and advance the interests of the profession.

Meanwhile, the institution also paid tribute to its late First Vice-President, Dr Emmanuel Mark, whose death was described as a major loss to both the national body and the Abuja Branch.

Speaking on behalf of the branch, Vice-Chairman Ebuka Anih, condoled with the president and members of the institution, noting that Mark played a pivotal role in nurturing and supervising the Abuja Branch.

According to him, the late First Vice-President’s contributions to the growth and development of the institution would be remembered for years to come.

“He was not only a leader at the national level but also a mentor and pillar of support to the Abuja Branch. His passing is a monumental loss to the institution and the profession at large,” Anih said.