Ondo: Estate Surveyors, Valuers, Want Quick Processing Of Certificate Of Occupancy

By Ayodele Oni

President and Chairman of Council, Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers, Chief  Emmanuel Wike, has observed that delay in processing Certificate of Occupancy and other documents are responsible for late processing of bank loans and execution of projects.

Chief Wike spoke in Akure, Ondo state on Tuesday, while briefing the press on the outcome of a meeting members of the council held with Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.

He pointed out that “Processing of Certificate of Occupancy and other vital documents, such as Governor’s Letter of Consent is not unconnected to shortage of staff in the processing offices.

“Meanwhile, these documents are required by financial institutions for approval of loan to finance housing and developmental projects, which in turn could earn the government more income.

“We made an appeal for full professionalization of the Land department, with Registered Estate Surveyors and Valuers heading every unit. This would ensure and improve the efficiency of the department.

Other demand tabled before the Governor, according to him, include “the creation of the position of the Valuer-General in the state, just as we have the Auditor-General, Accountant General, Solicitor-General, Surveyor General etc.

“The establishment of the office would enhance the contribution of our profession to the development of the state in as much as we have a common goal, which is, to have a well governed state, where democratic governance delivers to the need of its people.

“We also appealed for the constitution of the Land Use and Allocation Committee with Estate Surveyors and Valuers taking prominent positions in accordance with S.2.2 L.U.A, CAP 202 LFN 1990. Mr. Governor is expected to expedite action on this.

“Establishment of Valuation and Rating Department. It is on record that in 2008 the establishment of Valuation and Rating Department under the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs was approved by the then Executive Governor.

“We appealed to Mr. Governor to consider the establishment of the department in all the Local Government areas, with Estate Surveyors and Valuers taking charge for the simple reason that the establishment would boost the revenue of the Local Governments.

“Land Acquisition/Compensation. We passionately appealed to Mr. Governor that in subsequent Land Acquisition/Compensation Assessment, especially for road construction, road widening, and creation of new housing estates, professional Estate Surveyors and Valuers in the state should be considered before colleagues outside the state.

“Estate Surveyors and Valuers in Ondo State have contributed in no small measure to the development of the state.

“Effective January 2013, the African Union adopted accrual based International Public Sector Accounting Standard (IPSAS) in its efforts to modernize accounting and financial management policies and operational system and process.

“The Federal Executive Council at its meeting held on 28th July, 2010 approved the migration and implementation of IPSAS in all Public Sector entities by the three tiers of Government.

“We advised Mr. Governor to fully implement the policy and compliment it by conducting Valuation of all government’s fixed assets, using the professional services of Estate Surveyors and Valuers who are to be engaged as independent Valuers.”