Why estate surveyors want government to fast track issuance of certificates of occupancy

By ESV. Zubeiru Inuwa

The delay in processing certificates of occupancy, C of O and other documents are responsible for the delay in processing bank loans and execution of projects. This is why Estate Surveyors and Valuers want government to stop delaying issuance of Certificate of Occupancy.
Processing of certificate of Occupancy and other vital documents such as Governors; Letter of Consent as the case may be is not unconnected with shortage of staff in the processing offices.
“Meanwhile, these documents are required by financial institutions for approval of loans to finance housing and development projects which in turn could earn the Government more revenues that will also be used for infrastructural development.
We (Estate Surveyors & Valuers) appeal for full professionalization of the Land departments with Registered Estate Surveyors and Valuers heading every unit. This would ensure and improve the efficiency of the department.
In furtherance we recommend “the creation of the position of the Valuer General in the states and the Federal Capital Territory just as we have the Auditor-General, Accountant-General, Solicitor-General, Surveyor-General etc.
The establishment of the office would enhance the contribution of our profession to the development of the states and of the nation as a whole in as much as we have a common goal, which is to have a well governed state, where democratic governance delivers to the need of its people. The overall result of fast tracking processing of certificates of occupancy and other Land documents is enhanced production of more housing units for the rapid population growth in the country. This will go a long way in reducing the accommodation deficit.
We also appeal for the constitution of the Land Use and Allocation Committee with Estate Surveyors and Valuers taking prominent positions in accordance with S.2.2L/U.A CAP 202 LFN1990. The state Governors are implored to expedite actions on this.
“Establishment of Valuation and Rating Departments also is an important unit we recommend state Governors to establish under the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in all the Local Government Areas with Estate Surveyors and Valuation taking charge for the simple reason that the establishment would boost the revenue of the Local Government.
“Land Acquisition/Compensation
We are passionately appealing to the State Governors in the Federation and FCT/Minister that in subsequent Land Acquisition/compensation Assessment especially for road construction, road widening, and creation of new housing estates professional Estate Surveyors and Valuers in the States should be considered before colleagues outside the state.
“Effective January 2013, the African Union adopted accrual based International Public Sector Accounting Standard (IPSAS) in its efforts to modernize accounting and financial management policies and operational system and process.
“The Federal Executive Council at its meeting held on 28th July 2010 approved the migration and implementation of IPSAS in all Public Sector entities by the three tiers of Government.
In conclusion, we (Estate Surveyors & Valuers) advice the State Governors and FCT Minister to fully implement the policy and compliment it by conducting Valuation of all governments fixed assets, using the professional services of Estate Surveyors and Valuers who are to be engaged as Independent Valuers.