The Bayelsa State Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Barr Perepuighe Biewari, has cautioned surveyors to exercise due diligence before conducting land surveys in the state to prevent encroachment on government-acquired lands.
The Commissioner gave the warning while speaking during a meeting with the leadership of the Nigerian Institute of Surveyors (NIS) at his office in the State Secretariat Complex, Yenagoa.
Barr. Biewari expressed concern over reports that some surveyors allegedly survey government-owned lands for clients instead of properly advising them against such transactions.
The Commissioner identified areas opposite Bayelsa Palm and parts of the New Yenagoa City as locations heavily affected by illegal land activities.
He stressed that the government would no longer tolerate such practices and warned that offenders would face prosecution.
The Commissioner further advised land buyers and speculators to conduct proper verification before purchasing lands.
The meeting which also had in attendance the State Surveyor-General and a representative of the Ministry of Justice, assured the Institution of the government’s readiness to provide surveyors with records of government-owned lands to support their work and improve compliance.
In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Lands, Pere Amanda Egbuson, commended surveyors for their contributions to the development of the state and urged them to maintain professionalism and ethical standards.
Responding on behalf of private surveyors, MacDonald Tarinyo, Chairman of the Association of Private Practicing Surveyors of Nigeria (APPSN), noted that the absence of a centralized database of government-owned lands has limited surveyors’ ability to verify ownership.
He added that buyers and legal practitioners also have important roles to play in verifying land documents before transactions are concluded, while assuring the government of the surveyors’ willingness to cooperate.
The delegation of private surveyors was led by Henry T. Etey.
Also present at the meeting were the State Surveyor-General, Geku Tonye Margaret, and Ngozi Ayafo, who represented the Honourable Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice.
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