In order to take real estate services in Nigeria to new heights, experts are of the opinion that there is need to close the professional practice’s gap in the industry by embracing competence and professionalism through specialisation. DAYO AYEYEMI reports
Ways to close the professional practice’s gap in real estate services were discussed at the weekend as practitioners under the auspices of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) were urged to embrace competence and professionalism through specialisation for best practices.
Besides, NIESV and Estate Surveyors and Valuation Board of Nigeria (ESVANBON) were also tasked to take proactive initiatives to increase the competence and professionalism in real estate practice.
Speaking during the 29th Annual John Wood Ekpenyoung Memorial Lecture and 2023 Fellows’ Induction ceremony held in Lagos, the Guest Speaker, Dr. Joshua Patunola-Ajayi, stated that competence and professionalism have become imperative for solid foundation for specialisation in the practice of the profession.
Patunola-Ajayi, a past president of NIESV, pointed out that specialization would connect practitioners to global exposure and best practices, among other advantages.
Besides, he said it would help to close the professional practice›s gap in Nigeria.
“Specialisation is the best ways to increase competency and professionalism in real estate practice,” he said.
Justifying the call, he explained that presently in Nigeria, members of the NIESV were dealing with a different phenomenon, including more knowledgeable and affluent clients, increasing practice areas and clients that wanted good professional service delivery among other things.
For these reasons, Patunola-Ajayi said it has become imperative for estate surveyors and valuers to respond with new ways and measures to satisfy and meet new demands, hence the need for specialisation.
Reeling out the advantage of specialisation, he said that, apart from being ascertained as the best way to increase competency and professionalism in the profession, “it fosters the development of human capacity and boosts distinction in practice.»
Besides, he said it would improve members’ contributions to the profession and society at large, among other advantages.
“It is therefore important to note and adopt high levels of professionalism and competency in the practice of real estate. This is because these practices of specialisation have been well adopted in developed nations and have set high standards for real estate practices,” he said.
On ways out, Patunola-Ajayi urged members to be receptive to the opportunities or the needs to provide services in new or developing fields/areas.
Meanwhile, NIESV has expanded its list of fellows with the induction of 62 new members, tasking them on integrity, ethical standards and good conducts.
Former Federal Commissioner of Work, Mr Femi Okunnu (SAN), was also decorated with award of Honorary Member of the institution.
Speaking, NIESV›s President, Mr Johnbull Amayaevbo, told the new fellows that the hallmarks of true professionals encompassed special knowledge, competence, ethics and integrity, among others.
According to him, the absence of these attributes has been the cause of many disasters in Nigeria.
He urged them to remain committed to continuous acquisition of knowledge and to exhibit, at all times, the qualities of good conduct, integrity, nobility, honesty and devotion.
He pointed out that Nigeria needed honest estate surveyors and valuers rendering sincere consultancy and other professional real estate services.
He added that the code of professional ethics and practice remains the ingredient of professionalism.
Chairman of the occasion, Olorogun James Omeru, tasked the new fellows of the association on quality service rendering, urging them further to continue in the good work of the existing fellows.
«Stop cutting corners in anything you do; you must render quality service, ensure good conduct, be distinct and be a good example to the upcoming ones,» Omeru said.
Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice of Lagos tate, Mr Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN), urged the practitioners to take a look at the Estate Surveyor and Valuer Registration Act for possible amendment
According to him, most of the provisions of the law have become obsolete, saying they could not aligned with today›s realities.
