Speaking at the 53rd yearly conference of the institute in Ilorin, Kwara State, the President of NIESV, Johnbull Amayaevbo, said the adoption of social housing initiatives by the Federal Government to provide affordable homes to low-income earners would be the best form of palliative.
Amayaevbo stressed that the subsidy removal was overdue, praising President Bola Tinubu for his courage in taking the step. He said the long-term benefits would propel the nation’s economy to a higher pedestal.
The theme for this year’s conference is ‘Asset Valuation As A Global Anti-Corruption Tool: The Nigeria Experience.’
He said: “We call on the Federal Government to focus and tackle economic issues headlong, as well as issues of national unity, corruption, insecurity, armed conflict, food security, youth empowerment and several others.
“There is an urgent need to address housing challenge in the country and plan for future housing delivery. The vital role of housing to healthy living, security and social wellbeing calls for concerted and pragmatic approach at this point in time.
“The Federal Government should, as a matter of necessity, initiate a deliberate housing programme, and set up a robust agenda for housing delivery, which must have a proper institutional framework, cutting across all levels of government – council, state and federal, coupled with a private sector-driven mortgage system.”
The NIESV President, while canvassing infrastructural development in vital sectors in his opening remarks, regretted the pervasive corruption in Nigeria and its devastating effects on Gross Domestic Products (GDP) of the nation.
He highlighted the need for asset valuation, which has been embraced by many developing countries across the globe, as an effective tool to combat corruption.
He added that the conference’s objective was to equip policy makers and relevant agencies with necessary knowledge and strategies to tackle corruption and enhance transparency in the valuation of assets.
Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Mathew Hassan Kukah, would deliver a keynote address at the weeklong event just as the Kwara State Governor, Mallam AbdulRahaman AbdulRazak, would be the guest of honour in one of the days of the programme.
