By Joy Salami
The Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV), Kogi State Branch, has renewed calls for stricter enforcement of land policies, improved documentation processes and decisive government action to curb land fraud as professionals gathered in Lokoja for the 2025 Mandatory Continuing Professional Development (MCPD) Seminar.
At the seminar held at Ayonote Hotels and Resort, speakers acknowledged that weak policy implementation, illegal land agents, poor documentation culture and failure to enforce existing laws have continued to undermine land administration and cost the government billions in revenue.
Presenters urged government authorities to streamline land allocation systems, simplify titling procedures, and ensure that no individual or group is allowed to illegally allocate or sell land.
Stakeholders also highlighted that Nigeria’s land sector suffers largely from weak enforcement of the 1978 Land Use Act, particularly in state capitals where lands classified as urban are still being sold by clans, agents and private individuals without government authorization.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of NIESV Kogi State Branch, ESV John Oluwayinka Emmanuel, described land as one of Nigeria’s most valuable assets, noting that its proper management is crucial to development, security and revenue generation.
He warned that the ongoing challenge was not due to the absence of policies but lack of enforcement.
“Policies exist, but implementation is the real challenge. Government must rise to its responsibility. No individual should be bigger than government, especially regarding land allocations”, he said.
Delivering the lead paper on behalf of Prof. Muhammad Nuhu of the Federal University of Technology, Minna, Dr. Yakubu Suleiman of Baze University Abuja linked effective land reforms to national productivity and economic growth.
According to him, Nigeria loses substantial revenue annually because many lands are not titled, making property taxation difficult and discouraging investment.
He stated that the government is losing heavily on property tax because many lands are not titled. Making land titles easier to obtain will empower individuals to access credit and increase government revenue,
Dr. Sulieman urged estate surveyors to uphold ethical standards, emphasising transparency, accountability, and professional integrity as essential tools in reducing fraud and restoring public trust.
Another paper presented by Barr. Apim Edward, a lecturer at the Federal Polytechnic Idah and property law specialist, warned that fake land transactions, multiple sales, forged documents and activities of unregistered agents continue to fuel distrust in the land market. He said many land buyers remain ignorant of due-diligence procedures, making them vulnerable to exploitation.
He advised estate surveyors to intensify efforts in proper land documentation, verification processes, public enlightenment, supervising land sales professionally, providing accurate valuation services, and collaborating with the government to identify and prosecute fraudulent actors.
According to him, many cases of land fraud could have been avoided if certified professionals were engaged early.
Throughout the seminar, participants agreed that the proliferation of illegal land agents poses a major threat to orderly land administration in Kogi State. They reiterated the need for the government to remove bottlenecks that slow down titling, enforce existing laws and foster transparency in land allocation.
The seminar ended with the presentation of plaques to speakers and special recognition awards to distinguished members and contributors.
