Vice Chairman, Estate Surveyors and Valuers Registration Board of Nigeria ( ESVARBON), Adamu Kazeem(left ); Minister of State for Works and Housing, Abubakar Aliyu and ESVARBON Chairman, Gersh Henshaw during the 44th induction ceremony for newly registered estate surveyors and valuers in Abuja.

• Canvasses digital technology innovation in real estate

Determined to implement the International Public Sector Accounting Standard (IPSAS), the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing has invited bids from estate surveyors for the valuation of all federal Secretariat across the country.

The procurement process has commenced in earnest and the exercise is meant to achieve internalisation and management of decision making. Already, many estate surveyors and valuers have submitted an expression of interest to execute the valuation jobs.

MEANWHILE, to achieve growth and development in the country, the Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, has called on estate surveyors and valuers to explore digital technology innovation as a means to promote professionalism and unlock infrastructure deficit.

The minister, who made the call at the 44th induction ceremony for newly registered estate surveyors and valuers, organised by the Estate Surveyors and Valuers Registration Board of Nigeria (ESVARBON) in Abuja, urged inductees to key into the technology revolution to unlock their potential.

Represented by the Minister of State for Works Housing, Abubakar Aliyu, Fashola confirmed that the ministry was carrying out valuation exercises of all federal secretariats.

According to the minister, ESVARBON has registered up to 4,000 practitioners and about 35 accredited institutions of higher learning to date.

“Challenges are extremely large, particularly in the area of legislation, recognition by the public, invasion of the industry by unlicensed and non-professional, quacks, among others. The ministry is doing all this towards creating an enabling environment, where estate surveyors and valuers can thrive and make an impact to support the economy.

“As newly inducted estate surveyors and valuers, I implore you to explore other technology innovations in enhancing professionalism and good service delivery in your day-to-day task.

“Your responsibilities have now been increased as the trust of the government is about infrastructure, which requires professionals like you to help drive our interests and safeguard this institution.

” I want to also use this opportunity to challenge you not to rest on your achievements but to continue to strive towards loftier goals by making Nigeria a better place for economic growth and development.

” The board should ensure that the stock of estate surveyors and values increase to meet the needs of the nation.”

ESVARBON chairman, Gersh Henshaw, urged them to be of good conduct and character in their dealings as well as admonished them to adhere to the professional standard in their day-to-day activities.

He reminded them that the instruments of practice that were handed over to them, including seal, stamps and certificates remained properties of the board, which can be withdrawn anytime when they go against the rules and regulations.

He said: “You have some solemn oath and allegiance to make and it is apposite to remind you that the Investigating Panel and the Disciplinary Tribunal of the Board are in place to check excesses, compliance with the declarations as well as ensuring overall professional discipline of all practitioners.

“After all these certificates and encomiums, if you cannot build a good character, it will be difficult for you to go far. So, be guided.”

He, however, advised Nigerians who have the interest to deal with landed matters in any part of the country to go through registered estate surveyors and valuers. About 200 new estate surveyors and valuers were licenced.

“I am using this time to inform Nigerians to seek redress with the board, should any estate surveyor and valuer does anything contrary to the tenets of our profession. I am assuming that the board will address your case without fear or favour.

” They now have our rules and regulations on what to do. But, if they don’t practice according to what we expect, we have sanctions that will be meted out to them. That is why we say all we have given them are our properties and they don’t use it the way we want, these properties can be withdrawn from them,” Henshaw warned.