By OLATUNDE AJAYI

The Nigerian Institution of Surveyors (NIS) says its synergy with the Oyo State Real Properties Protection Law Agency has drastically reduced land-grabbing activities in the state.

The Chairman of NIS in Oyo State, Bashiru Ajibade, disclosed this during a sensitisation walk to commemorate the 2026 Global Surveyors Day in Ibadan on Wednesday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the day is celebrated every March 21 to recognise and appreciate surveyors’ importance, their jobs, and the fields in which they work.

The theme for the 2026 celebration is “Surveyors Challenges in Multi-Sectoral Growth”.

Having praised the Oyo State Government for setting up the agency, Ajibade solicited more support from the state government in terms of modern equipment.

He also implored the state government to provide a legal framework and adequate security for surveyors to carry out their duties without fear of victimisation.

He, however, advised Nigerians to patronise registered surveyors to

avoid cases of land scams

According to him, a registered professional surveyor can be easily identified by a unique registration number and address from NIS.

“There are so many ways people are duping members of the public when it comes to land matters.

“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.

“This will help them to ascertain the genuineness of the land they want to buy and reveal whether the land is free from government acquisition or if the land has not been sold to somebody else,” he said.

Ajibade also charged surveyors to imbibe ethical standards and professionalism in the discharge of their duties.

“Avoid any act that will tarnish the profession’s reputation,” he said.

The Oyo State Surveyor-General, Olusoji Adeoye, said that the administration of Gov. Seyi Makinde has enhanced the practice of surveying in the state.

According to him, the state government has partnered with many property developers, with many of the properties at various stages of development.

This, he said, means that surveyors and other building stakeholders would soon be getting more patronage and income.

Similarly, Mr William Akin-Funmilayo, the Oyo State Commissioner for Lands, Housing, Survey and Urban Development, said the government would soon commission a fully centralised digitised surveying record verification and database centre.

The commissioner said that the centre, situated within the Surveyor-General’s office complex, would significantly reduce fraud, revenue loss, and fake survey records.

He added that the centre would also reduce the stress of travelling long distances to verify survey records.

NAN reports that the 2026 Global Surveyors Day celebration also featured “Survey Clinics”, where problems and challenges on land acquisitions from the general public were freely attended to. (NAN)