VALUATION DAY: NIESV Seeks Stronger Govt Policies on Land Records, Grabbers, Omo-Onile Challenges
… Assures Nigerians of Professionalism…
By Abisola Ariwodola,
The Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) Osun state branch has called on state and federal governments to strengthen land administration policies and enact laws to curb the land grabber (Omo-onile) menace, warning that weak enforcement of standards is undermining property investment in Nigeria.
The institution also assured Nigerians of professionalism through the appeal made on Tuesday in Osogbo, Osun state during the 2026 National Valuation Day, held simultaneously across the federation.
In his address, the Osun NIESV Branch Chairman, ESV Olusola Jubril Adebiyi, traced the Omo-onile crisis on government-acquired lands from the 1970s and 1980s, Citied that after compensation was adequately paid in the past to the parents. The descendants will now come up claiming entitlement to land genuinely acquired by government from their forefathers”.
ESV Adebiyi who called for proactive measures against land grabbers, Omo-onile menace, urged both the state and federal governments to create enabling policies and make laws that will restrict this act,” adding that traditional rulers must also collaborate with government to end the practice where individuals invade construction sites to demand illegal fees.
He also urged Nigerians particularly land property owners to get more informed on land matters, and in taking investments decisions for more viable returns on critical assets management, both public and private
ESV Adebiyi also cautioned other professionals against encroachment. “The calling of a lawyer is to be a solicitor and advocate. But giving opinions or judgments about values is the exclusive responsibility of Estate Surveyors and Valuers licensed by ESVARBON.”
The NIESV Chairman added that the May 5 event was to sensitize the public to know the difference between non-professionals called quacks and the real Estate Surveyors and Valuers professional, adding that the only certified professionals are identifiable by the institution ‘Honesty and Devotion’ logo, to ensure viable property investments and proper asset management.
In his remarks hinged on the push for Comprehensive Land Records, ESV Dr. Omisore Olusegun, a Director in the Ministry of Lands and Physical Planning, commended the Osun State Government under the leadership of Governor Ademola Adeleke on efforts to build a database of land records.
However, he stressed that gaps remain nationally, and computation valuation without data is incomplete, opined that when there is no database, everyone acts in isolation, and there won’t be effective valuation reports.” He then, called for national synergy to build comprehensive land records, noting that reliable data is critical for valuation and national wealth development.
Highlighting Enforcement of Valuation Law, ESV Dr Omisore reminded stakeholders that the profession is backed by Decree 24 of 1975, which established the Estate Surveyors and Valuers Registration Board of Nigeria (ESVARBON), while he flagged “weak enforcement of valuation standards and ethics” and “political interference” as key challenges.
“It’s very possible for political leaders in some places to decide, ‘Let’s do it this way,’ in a format that deviates from standards,” he said, he reiterated that only ESVARBON licensed professionals can legally give opinions on property values.
Also, the NIESV National Unofficial member, ESV Adekunle Adedoye in a separate address, applauded Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, for his proactive partnership stance against quackery, noting that the Governor has been vocal about how unqualified agents exploit residents with inflated charges and has advised the public not to patronise “quacks who call themselves agents.”
Adedoye who is the former immediate Osun State branch Chairman added that as professionals, we owe it to this nation to uphold integrity, protect public interest, and ensure that every property and asset is valued with accuracy and accountability.
This day is not just a celebration, it is a reminder of our duty to the people and to the future of our economy, that on property investments and asset management, we must patronise certified professionals- stated.
Highlight of the Nigeria Institution of Estate Valuers and Surveyors, Validation Day 2026 was the feature of the state branch on Eroya, an OSBC radio program that showcases current activities in the state, Validation Day Walk by the NIESV professionals from the centre of the state capital to the Government Secretariat, Abere and presentation/discuss at the Osun state Ministry of Lands and Physical Planning.