Fubara Tasks Nigeria’s Surveyor-General On C of O …Says Surveyors’ Role Pivotal In Governance

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminialayi Fubara, has expressed concern over certain unprofessional practices within the surveying profession, urging practitioners to address issues surrounding the acquisition of Rights of Way and seismic operations in the State.

The governor also raised strong objections to what he described as threats to land ownership and title in the State through the alleged issuance of Federal Certificates of Occupancy by the Office of the Surveyor-General of the Federation and other affiliated federal agencies.

According to him, such actions are contrary to Section 1 of the Land Use Act, Cap L5, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, which vests all land within a state in the Governor as trustee on behalf of the people.

Fubara made the remarks while speaking as Special Guest at the National Conference of the Association of Private Practicing Surveyors of Nigeria (APPSN), a sub-group of the National Institute of Surveyors (NIS), held at the Obi-Wali Cultural Centre, Port-Harcourt, yesterday.

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Benibo Anabraba, the governor also expressed concern over the problem of land grabbing through illegal survey plans and the payment of inadequate compensation to landowners during compulsory land acquisition for oil and gas exploration by licence holders, urging surveyors to uphold professionalism and fairness in their practice.

He said such illegal activities negatively affect the development of the State.

Fubara urged surveyors to promote ethical and sustainable planning practices that protect the environment, including the preservation of green spaces, marine areas, and forest reserves.

He described the role of surveyors as pivotal to the growth, development, peace, and orderly governance of any society.

According to him, the services of surveyors are critical to physical and urban planning, housing development, land administration, and the provision of infrastructure.

He stressed that surveyors play indispensable roles in land use and management, infrastructure provision, environmental management, and conflict resolution, noting that their presence in government ministries, departments, and agencies ensures adherence to best practices.

“The role of surveyors in governance is pivotal to the growth, development, peace, and order of society, particularly in land administration, infrastructure development, environmental management, and conflict resolution,” the governor said.

He noted that the conference theme, “Mapping the Future: The Vital Roles of Surveyors in the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry,” was particularly significant to Rivers State, given its position as the hydrocarbon heartbeat of the nation.

The President of the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors (NIS), Surv. Pius Eze, urged all participants to optimize the opportunity provided by the conference for professional upgrading and networking, adding that the conference displays consistency of vision and dedication to the welfare of private practitioners.

The National Chairman of APPSN, Surv. Simepiriye Kalio, thanked leaders and members of the association for their sacrifices to achieving the successes recorded.

The Chairman of APPSN, Rivers State chapter, Surv. Andy Nwikinane, said that the association was working with relevant stakeholders to prevent the infiltration of quacks  in the profession.