Estate Surveyors and Valuers have critical role in Nigerian Public Buildings- ESV Udoumoh Edeabasi

An Estate Surveyor and Valuer ESV Udoumoh Edeabasi said Estate Surveyors and Valuers have pivotal role in Nigerian Public Buildings.
ESV Edeabasi stated this in Abuja yesterday.
He said in Nigeria, Estate Surveyors and Valuers play a central role in ensuring that these public properties are properly planned, efficiently utilized, and sustainably managed.

He reaffirmed that Estate Surveyors and Valuers professional input guarantees accountability, transparency, and optimal performance in the nation’s real estate and infrastructure sectors.

He emphasized that
Public buildings are vital assets that support the delivery of essential government services. “ From administrative offices and schools to hospitals, courts, and housing estates”. He said the management, maintenance, and valuation of these structures demand a high level of professional expertise”.
He said that important critical to follow in Nigerian Public Buildings such as :
Property Valuation and Asset Management.
One of the primary responsibilities of Estate Surveyors and Valuers in public buildings is valuation. They provide accurate assessments of the current market value of public properties for various purposes including acquisition, compensation, insurance, balance sheet preparation, and privatization.
Beyond valuation, they also handle asset management, ensuring that government-owned properties are properly documented, maintained, and utilized for their intended purposes. “This process helps government agencies understand the true worth of their physical assets and make informed decisions regarding resource allocation and maintenance priorities”.
Facility and Maintenance Management.
Public buildings require constant upkeep to remain functional, safe, and aesthetically pleasing. Estate Surveyors and Valuers serve as facility managers, overseeing day to day operations such as cleaning, repairs, energy management, and space utilization. “They ensure that facilities comply with health, safety, and environmental standards while promoting cost efficiency through preventive maintenance strategies.
By applying modern facility management techniques, these professionals extend the lifespan of public buildings and reduce the need for expensive emergency repairs or premature replacements”.
Project Development and Feasibility Studies.

Before any public building project commences, Estate Surveyors and Valuers conduct feasibility and viability studies to determine whether the project is economically, socially, and environmentally justifiable.
They assess site suitability, land acquisition costs, and potential returns on investment. Their professional reports guide government decision-makers in prioritizing and approving viable projects that yield long-term benefits to the public.
Land Administration and Advisory Services.
Estate Surveyors and Valuers play a critical role in land administration, which includes land acquisition for public use, compensation assessment, and title documentation. They act as intermediaries between government agencies and affected communities, ensuring that compensation for acquired land and properties is fair and just.
“Furthermore, they provide advisory services on land use planning, property taxation, leasing, and redevelopment promoting efficiency and transparency in the use of public land resources”.
Risk Assessment and Insurance Valuation
Public buildings face risks such as fire, flooding, and structural failure.
Estate Surveyors and Valuers conduct risk assessments to identify potential threats and recommend mitigation strategies. “They also carry out insurance valuations, ensuring that public properties are adequately insured against unforeseen losses. This proactive approach safeguards public investment and minimizes financial exposure in times of disaster”.
Public Accountability and Transparency
Through accurate record-keeping, valuation reports, and professional audits.
Estate Surveyors and Valuers contribute to accountability in public property management.
“Their professional ethics demand transparency, objectivity, and fairness values that help reduce corruption and waste in the management of government-owned real estate assets”.

ESV Edeabasi

The contribution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers to the management of Nigerian public buildings cannot be overstated. They ensure that public assets are properly valued, efficiently managed, and sustainably maintained for the benefit of present and future generations.

For Nigeria to achieve sustainable infrastructure development, government agencies must continue to engage qualified Estate Surveyors and Valuers in all stages of public property management — from planning and acquisition to maintenance and disposal. Their expertise remains indispensable to the growth and integrity of the nation’s built environment.