By Perpetua Onuegbu
The Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has disclosed its readiness to partner with the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors (NIS), aimed at providing insights that would inform decision making in urban planning, land management, and infrastructure development.
Mr Badamasi S. Haiba, Director Information, of the ministry made this known in a statement on Saturday.
The Housing Minister, Mr Ahmed Musa Dangiwa made this disclosure when he received members of the Surveyors Institute on a visit to his Ministry in Abuja.
” For us at the Ministry, we would like to consider this visit as marking a new chapter of a more impactful and result-oriented partnership between the Ministry and the Nigeria Institute of Surveyors,” Dangiwa noted.
The Minister also said that the presence of the NIS was a gesture of goodwill and a testament to the significance of collaboration between the government and professional bodies, which collectively aimed to deliver decent and affordable housing to Nigerians as well as ensure sustainable urban development.
Acknowledging the Surveyors as custodians of accurate geographic data, Dangiwa praised the leadership and members of the Institute for their dedication and commitment to excellence, noting that they play an important role in shaping the future of the nation.
“ Your contributions, through the expertise of your members, to the development of Nigeria’s infrastructure and urban landscape are noteworthy and invaluable”, he stated.
While taking into cognizance challenges like inadequate housing supply and unplanned urbanization that confronts the housing and urban development sector, Dangiwa further affirmed his commitment to combining efforts with stakeholders like the NIS to address them and set a course for sustainable development, as well as inclusive growth.
In his address, the President of the NIS, Surv. Dr. Mathew Ibitoye, fnis appealed for the support of the Ministry in the area of land development, particularly issues of land tenure, titling and cadastral mapping.
He pointed out the need to reconstitute the Surveyors Council of Nigeria (SURCON) Council, adding that the absence of the Council has created a gap in the oversight and regulation of the surveying profession.
Dr. Ibitoye further invited the Minister as a Special Guest of Honour to the upcoming 90th anniversary, 2024 Annual General Meeting and Conference of the NIS.
“As part of our anniversary celebrations, we have embarked on a proposal to acquire a befitting NIS secretariat for the Institution. This endeavor symbolizes our unwavering commitment to the advancement and sustainability of the surveying profession in Nigeria”, he explained.(NAN)