The Minister of Housing and Urban Development has highlighted the vital role of estate surveyors and valuers in mitigating building collapses across Nigeria.
Addressing attendees at the 2024 Valuers Assembly in Abuja, themed “Valuation as a Tool for Revamping the Economy – The Role of Estate Surveyors and Valuers,” the minister underscored the necessity of meticulous property inspections and evaluations to ensure the safety and longevity of structures.
He pointed out that estate surveyors and valuers are essential for the effective delivery of affordable housing throughout the nation. “Your professional expertise ensures that land and property values are accurate and reflect fair market values, which is crucial for the state to provide cost-effective housing solutions,” he stated.
The minister further emphasized the pivotal role these professionals play in averting building collapses, a recurring issue that has resulted in significant loss of life and property damage across the country. “Estate surveyors and valuers are critical in preventing building collapse,” he remarked, emphasizing their duty to uphold professional standards in property inspections and assessments.
Recalling recent initiatives, the minister revealed plans to form a committee dedicated to investigating building collapses, highlighting the integral role of estate surveyors and valuers in that process. “Your past projects confirm that estate surveyors and valuers play a substantial role in curbing building collapse,” he noted.
He advocated for continuous engagement of these professionals throughout the design and post-construction phases of building projects. The minister clarified that building collapses may not solely stem from design flaws or construction errors but can also arise from occupants misusing buildings. He illustrated this point by describing how repurposing areas meant for open office spaces could compromise structural integrity.
The minister urged the assembly to develop tangible strategies that encourage excellence within the profession, uphold the integrity of the field, and protect lives and investments. “As you deliberate in this assembly, I hope you will propose actionable measures to promote excellence in estate surveying and valuation,” he asserted.
The assembly provided a significant platform for industry leaders to discuss the vital role of valuation and estate surveying in revitalizing Nigeria’s economy and preventing future tragedies associated with building collapses.
