The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, has emphasized the vital role that estate surveyors and valuers play in preventing building collapses across Nigeria.
During his address 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 highlighted the importance of thorough property inspections and assessments to ensure building safety and sustainability.
He stressed the significance of estate surveyors and valuers in the effective provision of affordable housing in Nigeria. “Your professional expertise guarantees that land and property values are accurate and reflect fair market rates, which is essential for the state to offer cost-effective housing solutions,” he stated.
Dangiwa further pointed out the crucial role these professionals play in mitigating the risk of building collapses, a recurring issue in Nigeria that has resulted in numerous fatalities and property damage. “Estate surveyors and valuers are essential in preventing building collapses,” he remarked, noting that their adherence to professional standards in property inspections and assessments is vital.
He also mentioned his recent directive to form a committee within the ministry to investigate a building collapse, emphasizing that estate surveyors and valuers are key to this initiative. “Your previous projects have demonstrated that estate surveyors and valuers have a significant role in addressing building collapses,” he said.
Dangiwa highlighted the necessity of their ongoing involvement in both the design and post-construction phases of building projects. He pointed out that building collapses are not solely the fault of designers and constructors; they can also occur due to improper use of buildings by occupants. “Consider a hall on the first or second floor of a building designed as an open office space being converted into a gym or used for another purpose. This misuse can compromise the structural integrity of the building, leading to potential collapse,” Dangiwa explained.
He urged the assembly to formulate actionable strategies to enhance professionalism in the field, uphold the integrity of the profession, and protect lives and investments. “As you engage in discussions during this assembly, I hope you will devise actionable measures to promote excellence in estate surveying and valuation,” he said. The event, which gathered prominent figures in the valuation and estate surveying sectors, served as a platform to discuss the profession’s role in revitalizing Nigeria’s economy and preventing future tragedies associated with building collapses.
