Surveyors Advocate Stakeholders Synergy on Land Disputes Resolution
The Chairman, Nigerian Institution of Surveyors (NIS), Oyo State Chapter, Mr Waheed Lamidi, has called for a synergy between traditional rulers, law enforcement agents and relevant government agencies to address land disputes in the state.
Lamidi said this at the 2023 annual luncheon and swearing-in of the new NIS state executive members on Thursday in Ibadan.
He said the Oyo State government had put in place necessary laws to check the excesses of land grabbers in the state.
Lamidi, however, reiterated the need for the law enforcement agents, traditional rulers and relevant state government agencies to step up the game in ensuring effective land administration in the state.
He noted that there could not be two or more conflict survey maps, boundary disputes and land acquisition problems if all parties involved in a particular land mapping were adequately carried along.
According to him, some traditional land owners often mislead surveyors by not involving land owners in their neighbourhood when engaging surveyors for land mapping.
If anyone wants to sell or demarcate land, the ideal thing is to carry along other families within the same boundaries to avoid encroachment,” he said.
Lamidi who was re-elected as the NIS State Chairman for the second term promised adequate welfare, highest standard of professional practice and conduct among members.
The Guest speaker, a former Attorney General and Oyo State Commissioner for Justice, Oluseun Abimbola, in his lecture called for professionalism in the sector.
Abimbola said the luncheon theme: “Land Use Regulations and State Laws: Implications for Surveyors,” emphasised on laws applicable to the practice of surveying and how the professionalism could be achieved among practitioners.
He urged the surveyors to always ensure that their assessments adhere to federal, state, and local environmental regulations.
The Senior Advocate of Nigeria also charged the surveyors to always adhere to zoning regulations when conducting boundary surveys.
Abimbola urged surveyors to advise their clients on the use of land to ensure appropriate setbacks were maintained.
Surveyors emerge as custodians of spatial truth within the intricate framework of real property law.
“Your meticulous boundary surveys, easement delineations, and adherence to legal standards become foundational elements in the resolution of disputes and the establishment of a clear legal framework for property transactions.
It is also increasingly apparent that the collaborative efforts of surveyors and legal professionals are not just a necessity; they represent pillars supporting the broader goals of sustainable urbanisation, environmental stewardship, and the judicious use of land.
“Within the realm of state laws, surveyors serve as legal architects of property rights and transactions, and where they fail, it is reflected in the state of development in our communities and manifest in the incremental rate of land disputes,” he said
Earlier, the National President, NIS, Dr Matthew Ibitoye, said the lecture was not just about understanding the implications of land use regulations and state laws on surveyors but to prepare the practitioners for potential challenges among professionals.
Ibitoye urged the new executive members to elevate standards, prioritise the interest of the profession, and make welfare of members a top priority.
The programme featured lectures, presentation of awards, swearing-in of new executives, cultural display, questions and answer on land issues among others.
