Dangiwa: Surveyors critical in preventing building collapses

The Federal Government has signed a memorandum of understanding with Shelter Afrique Development (ShafDB) for the construction of 5000 housing units

Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, has stressed that in built industry, estate surveyors and valuers are critical in preventing widespread building collapse as they play an important role in the successful delivery of affordable housing across Nigeria.

Dangiwa stated this while inaugurating 22 members of the Estate Surveyors and Valuers Registration Board of Nigeria (ESVARBON) in Abuja, saying, their expertise is accurate and reflects fair market values, which is crucial for facilitating cost-effective housing solutions.

He added that the Board is an essential organ charged with the duty of overseeing the profession of Estate Surveying and Valuation in Nigeria, established by Decree No. 24 of 1975.

The Minister explained that the inauguration of the new board has become necessary due to the expiration of terms for several board members, which led to a shortage of active members. As a result, the Board has been unable to meet the quorum of eleven (11) members required by the Act.

“Mr.President has mandated the Ministry to transform the housing sector for the actualization of the Renewed Hope Agenda. So, all agencies, institutions, and parastatals under us must be alive to their responsibilities and work hard towards achieving the set goals.”

He however stressed that they are to promote safety and regulatory compliance helps to protect lives and investments, preventing the tragic incidents of building failures that have plagued some areas of our country.

In a brief speech, Chairman, ESV Dosu Fatokun noted that with the reconstitution of the board, they would continue to perform their functions of regulating, and controlling the practice with integrity, professionalism, and transparency.

Fatokun said they would focus on the management and valuation of public buildings such as insurance, regretted that compliance with directives was a major issue at all levels, and asked the Minister to assist in the enforcement of the policy.

He urged him to appoint their members as Facilities Managers to professionally handle the post-development issues relating to the housing estates and cities.