The Lagos State Government has commended the role of surveyors in driving the state’s development, particularly under the THEMES Plus agenda of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Survey Matters, Surv. Ayokunnu Adesina, gave the commendation on Wednesday at the 2025 Annual Professional Workshop and Luncheon of the Association of Private Practicing Surveyors of Nigeria (APPSN) held in Magodo, Ikeja.
He noted that the state enjoys a strong working relationship with surveyors, urging them to adopt cutting-edge technology to modernise land administration and support Lagos’ ambition of becoming a 21st-century economy.
According to him, the Office of the Surveyor General maintains both statutory and administrative relationships with private practitioners.
“By statute, every survey record must be submitted to the State Surveyor General. Any land or parcel status information needed by investors or property owners must go through the office, as it is key to the issuance of Certificates of Occupancy under the Land Use Act of 1978,” he explained.
Adesina stressed that parcel status reports are also essential for prospective investors to “look before they leap” in property investments.
Delivering the keynote lecture, Surv. Oluwaseyi Mapaderun called for reforms in the judiciary to fast-track the prosecution of quackery cases in surveying and other professions. He lamented that the prevalence of quackery was worsened by a slow and cumbersome judicial process.
Speaking on the theme “Building the Resilient Surveyor: Integrating Legacy Practice with Innovation and Corporate Excellence”, Mapaderun emphasised integrity, professionalism, and mentorship of young surveyors as key to sustaining standards. He also urged academia to align curricula with industry needs to close the “gown-town” divide.
“Resilience means building sustainable companies, making the profession attractive, and ensuring that young professionals are mentored to practice with integrity, even when using modern technology,” he said.
In his remarks, APPSN Lagos Chairman, Surv. Afolabi Olaoluwa, described surveying as a profession rooted in precision, discipline, and service to society. He highlighted the need for resilience in adapting to technological change, market volatility, climate challenges, and client expectations.
He added that the association, through the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors, has an Ethics and Disciplinary Committee that constantly handles petitions and sanctions erring members to uphold professional ethics.