NIESV: Land use act impeding effect on housing provision.

Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

The Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers NIESV, has called for the removal of the Land Use Act of 1978, saying it has an impeding effect on housing provision in Nigeria.

The Institution made the call at its merit award, in Abuja, Thursday.

Speaking at the event, the President and Chairman NIESV Johnbull Amayaevbo said that the impediment was caused by a lack of clear regulations and guidelines from the government, which made it difficult for developers to acquire the resources they needed.

Amayaevbo said the cumbersome procedure in obtaining a Certificate of Occupancy has not only hampered developmental efforts by private investors but has given room for sharp and unscrupulous practices.

He said, “ We would continue to be vocal in our call for the review of the Land Use Act which clearly inhibits housing provision. As a first step to achieving this, we are proposing that the Act should be removed from the Constitution to allow for a speedy review. In the dynamic and rapidly changing world we live in, the factors and circumstances which warranted the enactment of the Land Use Act of 1978 about 45 years have changed, hence the need for its review in line with the present realities.

“ Additionally, the Land Use Act of 1978 has been a major impediment to housing provision in Nigeria, as it has caused a delay in the acquisition of land and other resources needed for housing development, resulting in a lack of housing options for citizens. It also fails to recognize the need for modern urban planning which would promote sustainable housing solutions. Therefore, a review of the Act is necessary to bring it in line with the current needs and realities.

Amayaevbo said the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers truly believes that concerted efforts play a crucial role in nation-building and that the institute are leaving no stone unturned in discharging professional services and other forms of human endeavors to transform Nigeria.

He continued, “ As we gather here tonight in celebration of remarkable accomplishments, we must remember that the country’s development and progress depend largely on us and others in the public and private sectors who have creditably distinguished themselves in business and other forms of human endeavors and are willing to channel this for the progress of the country.

“ We must continue to spearhead strategic policy frameworks to drive the economy while insisting on the deployment of resources rightly and correctly during implementation, as this will guarantee efficient and sustainable development. We can make Nigeria one of the leading nations in the world.

“ I would like to use this opportunity to appeal to Your Excellencies, eminent personalities and captains of industries here to assist us in completing the National Secretariat Building of our Institution here in Abuja by graciously donating to the project. I plead for your immense support to actualize this lofty dream. We have invested close to N1 billion into the project, and we need over N500 million to complete the same.

Meanwhile, the organizers through the awards ceremony seek to recognize and celebrate individuals, government parastatals, and corporate organizations whose contributions to the development of the Estate Surveyors and Valuers sector have been immense.

Notable on the long list of recipients of awards for special recognition are prominent Nigerians such as His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari; Gen. Aliyu Mohammed Gusau (Rtd.); His Excellency, Mr. Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki; His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Aminu Bello Masari, CFR, FNIM; Alhaji Olufemi Okunnu, SAN, CON; His Highness, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero (The Emir of Kano); His Majesty, Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, CFR, mni (Obi of Onitsha); His Royal Majesty Oba Kehinde Gbadewole Olugbenle, FNIVS (The Olu of Ilaro); Apostle (Mrs.) Folorunso Alakija; Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu, SA; Sir Olutoyin Okeowo; Alhaji Mustapha Njie and Mrs. Mojisola Abdul.

Other categories who received awards includes; States with the highest provision of affordable housing in Nigeria, Best Five States with the highest infrastructure development in Nigeria, The Best Housing Developer in West Africa, The most Structured Ministry/Bureau of Lands (Ease of Titling), Best Six Housing Corporations in Nigeria, Five most supportive Mortgage Banks in Nigeria, Top Ten Housing Developers in Nigeria, and Most Supportive Commercial Banks to Real Estate Development in Nigeria.