Estate surveyors have professional roles to play in FCT land swap programme — ESV Abdullahi Liman

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

An Estate Surveyor and Valuer, ESV Abdullahi Ibrahim Liman, has said estate surveyors and valuers have important roles to play in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) land swap programme, a public-private partnership (PPP) initiative.

Liman stated this in Abuja yesterday during a chat with Peoples Daily.

He explained that PPP involves government and private companies collaborating to provide public infrastructure, including sewage, drainage, roads and electricity.
“Rather than executing projects alone, government engages private firms to develop them in exchange for agreed shares, thereby facilitating timely completion”.

According to him, estate surveyors and valuers advise on land acquisition, including the value, location and size of land required.
“They also assess compensation for bare land and structures to facilitate payment to indigenous people and other persons affected by land acquisition in the FCT.”

He said their responsibilities include conducting feasibility studies to determine the economic and commercial viability of proposed projects and advising government on whether to proceed.

Liman added that the professionals determine the market value of land and properties involved in PPP projects, assess potential returns and risks, and assist government and private investors in negotiating property values, leases and development terms. They also advise on the best, highest and most profitable use of land and property.

Other roles, he said, include rent and lease assessment; property and asset management for government and privately developed properties; monitoring and reporting on property-related aspects of PPP projects; and resolving disputes over property values, rents and compensation.

He noted that independent professional valuations promote transparency, fairness and accountability in land and PPP transactions.

Liman further listed advice on affordable housing policies and price control for low-income earners, as well as PPP arrangements between the FCT Administration and private developers, including mass housing projects in the territory.