Right of Way urges enforcement of rules against encroachments

The International Right of Way Association (IRWA), Chapter 84, Nigeria has called for the review of construction traffic control plans and enforcement of rules against encroachments on highways.

The association urged the government to amend relevant sections of the Land Use Act to conform to the generally accepted standard of acquisition and compensation instead of complete abrogation.

Mark cited instance, section 29(4)(a) allows for an amount equal to the rent paid to the government as well as cost of improvements to the land. “This ignores the fact that the allottee could have acquired the land from its original allottee at a huge cost in the open market,” he said.

President of the association, Mr. Emmanuel Mark disclosed that the purpose of the right of way management is to provide appropriate traffic planning and coordination of all activities in the right of way acquisition processes.

The global body has over 10,000 members from over 15 countries around the world, though not popular like professional body in the built environment in Nigeria, however members have been involved in most infrastructural and real estate projects in Nigeria.

Members are drawn from various professional associations, like the Nigeria Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers, Nigeria Institution of Surveyors, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and Nigeria Environmental Society. This is the first time IRWA Chapter 84 Nigeria is bringing professionals in the right of way practice under one roof.

Mark who was recently elected president, stated that his plans will be to unite efforts of members towards individual development, improving service to the employers, the public, and advancement in the body of knowledge related to the professional tasks of members.

Mark, who is the principle partner, Nuel Mark and Partners, a renowned firm of estate surveyors and valuers, revealed that the dual objective of every Right-Of-Way activity are to ensure security of the assets and to guarantee that the assets can be sustainably managed. 

“We ensure that our clients received cost-effective right of way services to guarantee income to finance cost of capital. It is also to note that capital is, of course necessary, it is not sufficient to ensure success. Capital has to be focused on the right projects and then spent judiciously.”

On communities and property owners shortchanged in course of governments’ acquisitions, Mark restated the responsibility of the right of way profession to the people and businesses. “We encourage and foster high ethical standard in our profession.

“ We adopt a code of ethics for our constant guidance and inspiration predicated upon the basic principles of professional competence, character, integrity, fairness, commitment and trustfulness.”