‘Estate surveyors are critical in preventing building collapse’

The Federal Government has stressed the role of estate surveyors and valuers in the successful delivery of affordable housing and in preventing widespread building collapse across the country.

Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, who stated this while inaugurating a 22-member Estate Surveyors and Valuers Registration Board of Nigeria (ESVARBON) in Abuja, said their expertise to reflect accurate fair market values is crucial for facilitating cost-effective housing solutions.

Dangiwa said 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.

He 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 11 members required by the Act.

“The President has mandated the ministry to transform the housing sector for the actualisation 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 to protect lives and investments, preventing the tragic incidents of building failures that have plagued the country.

ESVARBON Chairman, Dosu Fatokun, said the board will continue to perform its 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 urged the minister to assist in the enforcement of the policy.

He also urged the minister to appoint their members as facilities managers to professionally handle the post-development issues relating to the housing estates and cities, including disposal sales, leases, as well as establish a management model for new stock of infrastructure.