Safeguarding Against Land Scams: Surveyors Urge Public to Patronise Registered Professionals
The Nigerian Institution of Surveyors (NIS) has issued a crucial advisory to the public, urging them to exclusively engage the services of registered surveyors. This directive comes in response to the escalating prevalence of land scams and fraudulent activities across the nation.
Bashiru Ajibade, the Chairman of the NIS Oyo State chapter, delivered this admonition during a recent sensitisation walk held in Ibadan to commemorate the 2026 Global Surveyors Day. Celebrated annually on March 21st, Global Surveyors Day serves as a platform to acknowledge and celebrate the indispensable role surveyors play in various sectors and the contributions they make to society. The theme for the 2026 observance was “Surveyors Challenges in Multi-Sectoral Growth,” highlighting the evolving landscape and demands placed upon the profession.
A key identifier for a legitimate, registered professional surveyor, according to Ajibade, is the possession of a unique registration number and an official address issued by the NIS. He elaborated on the pervasive methods employed by unscrupulous individuals to defraud the public in land transactions.
“There are so many ways people are duping members of the public when it comes to land matters,” Ajibade stated. “I want to advise our people to always consult a registered surveyor before they pay for any land.”
He emphasized the vital protective function of engaging a registered surveyor. This professional consultation allows prospective buyers to:
- Ascertain Land Genuineness: Verify the authenticity of the land title and ownership claims.
- Identify Government Acquisitions: Determine if the land is subject to any existing government acquisition or plans.
- Confirm Unencumbered Status: Ensure the land has not already been sold to another party, preventing double sales and disputes.
Ajibade underscored the financial prudence of seeking professional guidance, noting, “It is always advisable to involve professionals before paying for land to forestall losing large amounts of money in the process of avoiding token professional fees.”
Collaboration and Support for Land Protection
The Chairman also took the opportunity to commend the Oyo State Government for its proactive stance in establishing the Oyo State Real Properties Protection Law Agency. He highlighted that the collaborative efforts between this agency and the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors have significantly curbed the activities of land grabbers within the state.
Looking ahead, Ajibade appealed for continued and enhanced support from the state government. His requests included provisions for modern equipment, a robust legal framework, and adequate security measures for surveyors. These provisions, he argued, are essential to enable surveyors to perform their duties without fear of intimidation or victimisation.
Furthermore, Ajibade urged all surveyors operating within Oyo State to uphold the highest ethical standards and professionalism in their practice. He stressed the importance of avoiding any actions that could potentially tarnish the esteemed reputation of the surveying profession.
Enhancing Surveying Practice in Oyo State
Echoing Ajibade’s sentiments, Olusoji Adeoye, the Oyo State Surveyor-General, acknowledged the positive impact of Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration on the practice of surveying in the state. He noted that the state government has actively fostered partnerships with numerous property developers, many of whom are currently engaged in various stages of development projects.
Adeoye explained that this increased development activity translates into greater opportunities and enhanced patronage for surveyors and other stakeholders in the building and construction industry, ultimately leading to improved income generation.
Digital Transformation of Land Records
In a significant move towards combating fraud and streamlining land administration, the Oyo State Commissioner for Lands, Housing, Survey and Urban Development, Mr. William Akin-Funmilayo, announced that the government is on the verge of commissioning a fully digitised, centralised surveying record verification and database centre.
This state-of-the-art facility, which will be located within the Surveyor-General’s office complex, is anticipated to be a game-changer in several respects. It is expected to:
- Eradicate Fraud: Significantly reduce instances of fraudulent land dealings and forged documents.
- Prevent Revenue Loss: Improve the collection of land-related revenues for the government.
- Eliminate Fake Records: Combat the circulation of counterfeit survey record copies.
- Reduce Citizen Burden: Alleviate the stress and inconvenience faced by citizens who currently have to travel long distances to verify survey record copies.
The 2026 Global Surveyors Day celebrations also provided a platform for direct public engagement through “Survey Clinics.” These clinics offered free consultations, addressing the land acquisition problems and challenges faced by the general public.
