Rivers governor Fubara highlights surveyors’ role in land management, infrastructure, and conflict resolution as vital for development and orderly governance.
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has described the role of surveyors as pivotal to the growth, development, peace, and orderly governance of any society.
The governor stated that the services of surveyors were critical to physical and urban planning, housing development, land administration, and the provision of infrastructure.
Fubara made the remarks while speaking at the National Conference of the Association of Private Practicing Surveyors of Nigeria (APPSN), a sub-group of the National Institute of Surveyors (NIS), in Port Harcourt, on Thursday.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Benibo Anabraba, the governor stressed that surveyors played indispensable roles in land use and management, infrastructure provision, environmental management, and conflict resolution.
He noted that their presence in government ministries, departments, and agencies ensured adherence to best practices.
“The role of surveyors in governance is pivotal to the growth, development, peace, and order of society, particularly in land administration, infrastructure development, environmental management, and conflict resolution,” the governor said.
Fubara further noted that the conference themed: “Mapping the Future: The Vital Roles of Surveyors in the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry,” was particularly significant to Rivers State, given its position as the hydrocarbon heartbeat of the nation.
He expressed concern over certain unprofessional practices within the surveying profession, urging practitioners to address issues surrounding the acquisition of Rights of Way and seismic operations, which he said negatively affect the development of the State.
Fubara also raised strong objections to what he described as threats to land ownership and title in Rivers State through the alleged issuance of Federal Certificates of Occupancy by the Office of the Surveyor-General of the Federation and other affiliated federal agencies.
The NIS President, Pius Eze, expressed optimism over the 4th annual conference as he urged all participants to optimise the opportunity for professional upgrading and networking.
He added that the conference displayed consistency of vision and dedication to the welfare of private practitioners.
The National Chairman of APPSN, Simepiriye Kalio, thanked leaders and members of the association for their sacrifices to achieving the successes recorded.