Understanding the Roles of Estate Surveyor and Valuer in Infrastructure Facilities Management in Nigeria
By ESV Omotayo Sunday FASINA and ESV Toyin Serifat KEKEMA,
Introduction
Infrastructure facilities management (IFM) has become an increasingly vital component of sustainable development and efficient resource utilization in Nigeria. As urbanization, population growth, and infrastructural investment continue to expand, the management and maintenance of such assets have become more complex and strategic. Infrastructure facilities management involves the coordinated management of physical assets, systems, and processes necessary to ensure the functionality, comfort, safety, and efficiency of the built environment (Amadi, 2021). In this context, the role of the Estate Surveyor and Valuer (ESV) is indispensable. These professionals, trained in land economy, property valuation, and real estate management, possess the technical and managerial competencies to ensure that infrastructure facilities are efficiently maintained and managed throughout their life cycles. This article examines the roles, challenges, and prospects of Estate Surveyors and Valuers in infrastructure facilities management within the Nigerian context.
Conceptual Overview of Infrastructure Facilities Management
Infrastructure facilities management refers to the integrated management of essential public and private assets such as roads, bridges, buildings, water systems, power plants, and communication networks (Nwocha & Adebayo, 2020). The discipline combines engineering, architecture, environmental science, and real estate management principles to optimize asset performance. According to Olanrewaju and Abdul-Aziz (2015), IFM ensures that infrastructure assets deliver value for money through the application of lifecycle management techniques that cover planning, design, construction, operation, and disposal.
In Nigeria, infrastructure facilities management has gained increasing relevance due to the government’s emphasis on public-private partnerships (PPPs) and sustainable asset utilization (Akinjare et al., 2022). Given the scale and cost of infrastructural projects, it is necessary to ensure effective maintenance, operation, and value preservation.
This is where Estate Surveyors and Valuers play a pivotal role, as they combine technical, economic, and managerial skills to enhance the lifespan and performance of these facilities.
The Professional Scope of Estate Surveyor and Valuer in Nigeria
The Estate Surveyor and Valuer is a real estate professional trained to value, manage, and advise on land and property assets for various purposes including investment, taxation, insurance, and development (NIESV, 2020). In Nigeria, their professional practice is governed by the Estate Surveyors and Valuers Registration Board of Nigeria (ESVARBON), which regulates standards, ethics, and practice (ESVARBON, 2022).
Their competencies cover property valuation, estate agency, property management, feasibility and viability appraisal, and facility management. The Estate Surveyor and Valuer’s engagement in facilities management extends beyond traditional property maintenance. They are involved in strategic asset management, space optimization, environmental sustainability, and financial planning for property portfolios (Ilesanmi, 2019). Their professional insight ensures that infrastructural facilities remain functional and generate optimal returns throughout their economic lives.
Roles of Estate Surveyor and Valuer in Infrastructure Facilities Management
1. Maintenance Planning and Implementation
One of the primary roles of Estate Surveyors and Valuers in IFM is maintenance planning. Proper maintenance ensures the longevity, safety, and efficiency of infrastructure facilities. According to Adebayo (2018), neglect of maintenance has been one of the major causes of infrastructural decay in Nigeria. Estate Surveyors and Valuers prepare maintenance schedules, conduct condition surveys, and supervise repair works to ensure cost-effective upkeep of assets. They utilize maintenance management systems that monitor performance and predict future repair needs based on asset condition and usage.
2. Asset Valuation and Lifecycle Costing
Valuation is the core competence of an Estate Surveyor and Valuer. In the context of infrastructure facilities, valuation provides a financial perspective on the worth, depreciation, and economic life of assets (Amidu & Aluko, 2017). Through techniques such as lifecycle costing, the ESV assesses total ownership costs, including acquisition, operation, maintenance, and disposal costs. This enables facility managers and investors to make informed decisions on budgeting, reinvestment, and disposal of assets (Akinjare & Ayedun, 2020). For public infrastructure, valuation also supports accountability and transparency in asset reporting under International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS).
3. Space Management and Utilization
Efficient use of space is fundamental in both public and private infrastructure facilities. Estate Surveyors and Valuers analyze space requirements, allocate resources, and plan spatial arrangements to enhance operational efficiency (Ojo, 2021). In commercial buildings, educational institutions, and health facilities, effective space management ensures optimal functionality and user satisfaction. For instance, in public infrastructure such as airports or government complexes, ESVs assess occupancy patterns and redesign space layouts to improve service delivery.
4. Financial and Risk Management
Estate Surveyors and Valuers play a key role in managing the financial and risk aspects of infrastructure facilities. They develop budgets for maintenance, project cash flows, and ensure that expenditures align with service delivery targets. According to Adegoke (2020), risk management in IFM involves identifying potential threats such as structural failure, environmental hazards, and financial mismanagement, and proposing mitigation strategies. ESVs use property insurance valuation and risk assessment tools to safeguard infrastructural assets against unforeseen losses.
5. Sustainability and Environmental Management
Sustainability is increasingly central to infrastructure facilities management. Estate Surveyors and Valuers contribute to the implementation of green building initiatives and energy efficiency programs that reduce environmental impact (Onifade & Oduwaye, 2022). They conduct sustainability audits, advise on renewable energy integration, and recommend materials and systems that reduce lifecycle costs and carbon emissions. By applying principles of environmental valuation, ESVs promote sustainable asset management practices aligned with Nigeria’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
6. Facility Performance Monitoring and Evaluation
Performance evaluation ensures that facilities continue to meet intended functional and service standards. Estate Surveyors and Valuers conduct periodic inspections and benchmarking exercises to assess the performance of infrastructure assets (Olanrewaju, 2019). They utilize performance indicators such as functionality, cost efficiency, safety, and user satisfaction. Through data-driven insights, they advise facility owners on areas requiring improvement or reinvestment.
7. Advisory and Policy Development Role
Estate Surveyors and Valuers also act as consultants in policy formulation and advisory services for infrastructure facilities. Their understanding of property economics enables them to advise governments and private investors on project feasibility, procurement strategies, and asset privatization (Ajayi & Oyetunji, 2021). They participate in public-private partnership (PPP) negotiations, ensuring that projects are financially viable and sustainable over time.
Challenges Facing Estate Surveyors and Valuers in Infrastructure Facilities Management
Despite their critical role, several challenges hinder the effective involvement of Estate Surveyors and Valuers in IFM in Nigeria. A major challenge is limited awareness of their professional capacity among policymakers and infrastructure owners. Many facility owners still perceive ESVs merely as rent collectors or valuers, not as strategic asset managers (Adebisi, 2018). Another issue is inadequate training and technological adaptation. Modern facilities management requires digital competence in Building Information Modelling (BIM), Computer-Aided Facilities Management (CAFM), and asset management software (Ogunba & Ojo, 2020).
Unfortunately, many practitioners lack these technical skills, which limits efficiency. Moreover, poor maintenance culture in Nigeria affects the sustainability of public infrastructure. Insufficient budgetary allocation and corruption further exacerbate the deterioration of facilities. Institutional barriers, such as weak enforcement of maintenance policies, also limit the contributions of ESVs to infrastructure management (Nwuba, 2021).
Lastly, professional overlap with engineers, architects, and planners creates jurisdictional conflicts in multidisciplinary infrastructure projects. This overlap can undermine collaborative project execution if not properly managed.
Strategies for Enhancing Estate Surveyor and Valuer’s Role in IFM
To strengthen the contribution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers to infrastructure facilities management, several strategies can be implemented. First, capacity building and professional development should be prioritized. Continuous professional training in digital facility management tools and sustainable asset management will enhance competence.
Secondly, there is a need for policy reform that mandates professional involvement of Estate Surveyors and Valuers in the management of public infrastructure. Government agencies and private investors should recognize the ESV’s statutory role in asset valuation and maintenance management (ESVARBON, 2022).
Thirdly, public awareness campaigns should be intensified through professional associations such as the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV). This will promote understanding of the profession’s relevance to infrastructure sustainability. Finally, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration between ESVs, engineers, planners, and architects will ensure holistic management of infrastructure facilities. Such cooperation enhances efficiency, innovation, and sustainability in the built environment.
Conclusion
The role of the Estate Surveyor and Valuer in infrastructure facilities management in Nigeria is both strategic and indispensable. As the custodians of land and property assets, they bridge the gap between technical infrastructure operation and economic sustainability. Their expertise in valuation, maintenance, financial planning, risk management, and sustainability provides a multidimensional approach to asset management.
However, challenges such as inadequate recognition, limited technical exposure, and institutional weaknesses continue to constrain their effectiveness. Strengthening professional capacity, embracing technology, and institutionalizing maintenance culture will enhance their impact. With these improvements, Estate Surveyors and Valuers will continue to play a leading role in ensuring that Nigeria’s infrastructure facilities deliver long-term social, economic, and environmental benefits.
References
Adebayo, A. (2018). Maintenance management practices in Nigerian public buildings. Journal of Built Environment, 12(2), 45–58.
Adebisi, T. (2018). Professional awareness and the image of estate surveying practice in Nigeria. Journal of Real Estate Studies, 6(1), 34–47.
Adegoke, M. (2020). Risk management in facilities management: A case study of public buildings in Nigeria. International Journal of Property Management, 8(3), 121–133.
Akinjare, O. A., & Ayedun, C. A. (2020). Valuation principles and facilities management decisions in Nigeria. African Journal of Real Estate Research, 15(1), 66–78.
Akinjare, O., Oluwatobi, A., & Ajayi, C. (2022). Public-private partnerships and infrastructure sustainability in Nigeria. Journal of Infrastructure Development, 10(4), 201–214.
Ajayi, O., & Oyetunji, F. (2021). Policy frameworks for sustainable infrastructure management in developing countries. Built Environment Review, 7(2), 97–112.
Amadi, C. (2021). Facility management as a strategic tool for infrastructure sustainability. Nigerian Journal of Environmental Studies, 9(2), 142–156.
Amidu, A., & Aluko, B. T. (2017). Property valuation and asset management: An integrated approach. Lagos: University of Lagos Press.
ESVARBON. (2022). Professional standards and practice guidelines for estate surveyors and valuers in Nigeria. Abuja: ESVARBON Publication.
Ilesanmi, K. (2019). Professional roles of estate surveyors in sustainable building management. Journal of Property and Facilities Management, 5(1), 77–88.
NIESV. (2020). Professional scope and ethical guidelines for estate surveyors and valuers. Abuja: Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers.
Nwuba, C. (2021). Maintenance culture and infrastructure deterioration in Nigeria. Journal of African Built Environment, 14(3), 188–203.
Nwocha, I., & Adebayo, S. (2020). Infrastructure facilities management and national development. Journal of Environmental and Construction Management, 6(1), 55–70.
Ogunba, O. A., & Ojo, F. (2020). Technology adoption in real estate and facility management practice in Nigeria. Journal of Real Estate Technology, 3(2), 65–79.
Ojo, D. (2021). Space management and optimization in public infrastructure facilities. International Journal of Building Management, 11(3), 201–215.
Olanrewaju, A., & Abdul-Aziz, A. R. (2015). Building maintenance processes and practices. Springer.
Onifade, T., & Oduwaye, L. (2022). Sustainability principles in infrastructure facilities management. Journal of Environmental Planning and Management, 18(2), 118–132.