The Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers in Akwa Ibom State has requested the government of the state to clarify the functions of the Ministry of Lands/Water Resources and the Ministry of Works regarding land acquisition and payment of compensations.
The institution expressed disappointment in the Ministry of Works for taking over the responsibilities that do not belong to it, calling it counterproductive.
The Punch reported that the plea was made by the State Chairman of NIESV, ESV. Obot Akpan, during the celebration of Valuation Day in Uyo, themed “Valuation: Key to Decision Making for Assets and Resources Optimisation.”
The Chairman pointed out that the Ministry of Lands is the only body responsible for land acquisition and payment of compensation according to the Land Use Act, Cap 202, LFN, 1990, Sections 29(4)(b) and 29(4)(C).
The Director of Lands in the Ministry of Lands/Water Resources has the exclusive right to determine the value of compensation. Despite these provisions by the law, compensation value for compulsory acquisition is allegedly under the Ministry of Works in the state. As a result, there has been an incomplete record of historical data on land transactions.
In his words, “The continued usurpation of those functions by the Ministry of Works as currently going on will very likely embarrass the government and exact great cost if not checked.”
Akpan commended the State Ministry of Lands and Water Resources for its initiatives in delivering infrastructural projects, improving staff welfare, opening up public estates, and paying outstanding compensations on acquired public lands. He also commended the ministry for reclaiming government lands/properties that were previously encroached by communities.
According to the report, during a courtesy visit to the Commissioner for Lands and Water Resources, Capt. Iniobong Ekong, Akpan briefed him on the functions of NIESV, including valuation of assets/properties, land acquisition/compensation payment, property rating/administration, property/facility management, and property development and financing. Akpan called on the state government to engage its services to contribute to the growth and development of the state.
In response, the Commissioner for Lands and Water Resources, Capt Iniobong Ekong (retd), represented by the director of Town Planning, Aniekan Akpan, stated that it is the responsibility of NIESV to provide the value of lands to the state government for effective land administration.
He added that the ministry is also working to ensure that all government lands that were encroached upon are reclaimed.
