The Nigerian Institution of Surveyors (NIS) has urged the Lagos State government to ensure effective implementation of its Anti-land Grabbing Law of 2016 to tackle the menace of land grabbing and actualise the goals of the law in the state.
The chairman, Nigerian Institution of Surveyors, Lagos State branch, Surveyor Olukolade Abdulrazak Kasim stated this at the 2025 Global Surveyors Day celebration, held at the NIS secretariat in Lagos.
Kasim, represented by the vice chairman of Nigerian Institution of Surveyors, Lagos State branch, Surveyor Moses Olukayode Ogundare, has been working with the government to find ways of establishing a strong link between planning, urban laws and sustainable development, in shaping the pattern and scope of physical growth of the state.
He said this year’s theme, “Shaping the New World on the Wisdom of Surveying” couldn’t have been more apt, saying it is coming at a time when Lagos, like many other mega-cities in the world, is witnessing unprecedented spatial challenges posed by influx of people and the need for sustainable development.
Kasim implored the state government to as a matter of urgency improve speed of land registration, titling and reduce the cost of land registration and titling.
“Enforce at conception, urban planning, rules and regulations in conformity with existing master/ model city plans; develop long-term funding solutions for assisted land equity down-market through mortgage.
“Expand access to land acquisition financing; develop partnerships on infrastructure development to reshape the urban vision of tomorrow.
“Create an enabling environment for PPPs, through processes and clear strategies on how to engage with government; review and update existing master/ model city plans, to ensure that they are integrated with existing development plans of the state,” he said.
They also urged the federal government to, as a matter of urgency, put in place measures to alleviate the sufferings of Nigerians.
“To the citizenry, the narrative has to change if we are to maintain a sustainable, organised, livable and friendly environment that will translate into an improved standard of living for the people of Lagos. Together, let us embrace the spirit of collaboration and celebrate the remarkable steps made in the field of surveying,” he said.
