Surveyors Decry Police Victimization, Task IGP on Insecurity and Professional Challenges
In a significant outcry, the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors (NIS) and the Association of Private Practising Surveyors of Nigeria (APPSN), Lagos State branch, have condemned ongoing police victimization and harassment related to land issues. They have urgently called upon the Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to halt this practice, particularly in civil matters. This appeal was made during the 2026 World Surveyors’ Day celebration, held at Alausa, Ikeja, under the theme “Surveyors Challenges in Multi-Sectoral Growth.”
Police Harassment in Land Disputes
Adams Olugbenga, the Vice Chairman of APPSN in Lagos State, highlighted that surveyors often become victims when land disputes arise. He emphasized that the association is using this year’s celebration to advocate directly to the IGP’s office, stressing the need to end indiscriminate arrests of surveyors, who should serve as expert witnesses in such cases. Olugbenga explained that while surveyors are not typically involved in criminal activities, they are frequently targeted by police, leading to unjust harassment.
He outlined proper procedures, stating, “When surveyors err or go against the laid-down ethics of the profession, they should be reported to the professional and regulatory bodies for investigation and discipline. In criminal cases, it is the duty of the professional body to refer them to the police.” Additionally, he urged the IGP to enhance security for surveyors on-site, citing the escalating threats of kidnapping and general insecurity.
Technological and Regulatory Hurdles
Adedeji Olanrewaju, Chairman of the NIS Lagos State branch, addressed broader professional challenges, calling on surveyors to prepare for technological integration, workforce shortages, and regulatory complexities. Speaking through Vice Chairman Moses Ogundare, he detailed key obstacles, including high costs of tech adoption, skill gaps, environmental risks, and unsafe working conditions that hinder efficiency.
Olanrewaju encouraged practitioners to embrace mentorship and maintain professional boundaries to drive multi-sectoral growth. He also commended the Lagos State Government for implementing the land grabbing law and affirmed the NIS’s commitment to collaborating with authorities to combat quackery in the profession.
Ethical Practices and Government Support
Olaoluwa Afolabi, Chairman of APPSN Lagos State branch, implored surveyors to adhere to ethical standards and avoid supporting unlicensed operators. He warned residents against patronizing quacks, emphasizing the importance of professional integrity. In his remarks, the Acting Surveyor-General of Lagos State, Saliu Odupe, represented by Solomon Olufemi, congratulated surveyors and reiterated the state government’s support for advancing the profession and ensuring sustainable sector growth.
This event underscores the critical need for police reform and enhanced security measures to protect surveyors, while also addressing internal professional challenges to foster development in Nigeria’s surveying sector.
