The Nigerian Institution of Surveyors (NIS) has stated that in its bid to promote excellence in the Surveying profession, they are currently working on a seven-point agenda that will include pushing for the establishment of the Ministry of Surveying and Geoinformatics (FMSG) in Nigeria.
The institution’s president, Chief Pius Chukwuemeka, who said this yesterday at the 43rd Olumide Memorial Lecture in Abuja, also revealed that the NIS was working towards expanding its horizons and will capture all the areas of its professional expertise under various associations to facilitate a more coordinated, structured, and all-encompassing professional practice under its Institution.
Chief Chukwuemeka mentioned that the NIS’s other agendas include digital transformation of its National secretariat, revitalisation of the Survey Coordination Act (GIS, Engineering works), and the development of an additional culture of rewarding professional excellence. It also aims to enhance public relations and advocacy, comprehensive youth/ members’ welfare programs, and focus on building projects.
The President, who also said the theme of the memorial lectures is “ The New Tax Reforms: What Professionals in the Built Environment need to know” and “Quo Vadis Nigeria: Politics, State Capture, State Failure and Professionals as Change Agents”, was geared towards educating professionals on their role as agents of change in nation building. He added that the discussions would enlighten professionals to be abreast of the burning issues regarding the tax reforms, which are expected to be implemented from January 2026.
One of the Guest speakers, Professor Pat Utomi, a professor of political Economy and management expert, while lamenting on the failures of the political class over the years, reiterated the need for citizens to be patriotic in the performance of their civil responsibilities so that they could have the right to hold public officials accountable.
While responding to questions from journalists on the impact and relevance of the Tax Reforms to the Nigerian economy and citizens, the professor said,” The problem with Nigeria is that we don’t pay tax. And because we don’t pay tax, we’re not holding people accountable. If we don’t pay taxes and we have a culture of stupidity that is growing, and we can’t speak up, what’s the point of that relationship? The tax I’m paying is important because you can call the person and say, “My friend, why are you going to spend my tax money to build yourself a new presidential lodge or governor’s lodge or whatever it is they’re building?” the Prof. responded.
