An agricultural economist, Dr. Olugbenga Egbetokun, has called for effective management and utilization of Nigeria’s land resources in order to achieve a holistic economic resurgence.
Dr. Egbetokun made this statement at the 2024 Association of Private Practising Surveyors of Nigeria (APPSN) annual general meeting/lecture held on Thursday in Ibadan, where he was the guest lecturer.
Speaking on the theme: ‘Charting the Course for Nigeria’s Economic Resurgence,’ Dr. Egbetokun said, “Surveyors, with their expertise in land administration and sustainable land use, are well-positioned to play a pivotal role in the process.”
“By addressing the challenges of inadequate land policies, urbanization, and land conflict, and by promoting strategic reforms, surveyors can help chart a course for Nigeria’s economic recovery.”
He further stated, “The integration of sound land economics into national development plans will ensure that land resources are harnessed to their full potential, driving sustainable economic growth and improving the quality of life for all.”
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While discussing the roles of surveyors in land use and economic development, he emphasized the expertise of surveyors as facilitators of sustainable land use and effective land administration.
He therefore called for “reforming land policies and legislation, enhancing land use planning and management, strengthening land administration systems, and promoting sustainable land use practices.”
The Chairman of APPSN, Mr. Egberinde Alex, who highlighted the achievements of his administration, described the importance of private surveyors in revenue generation, mapping, and reduction in the spate of land encroachment.
According to him, “As surveyors, we do the mapping; we demarcate the boundaries of every piece of land. In doing so, there will not be anything like encroachment or interference from third parties.”
“Also, through Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), the association can generate funds for the state government; this is a milestone in the history of the association.”
A highlight of the event was the induction of new APPSN executives, who will drive the association for the next two years.
The event was attended by the Akibio of Ilora, Oba Stephen Oyeniyi, the National Chairman of APPSN, Mr. Thomas Dabiri, the Managing Director of Blue Chip Technologies, Mr. Peter Oketola, who was the chairman of the occasion, and the Nigerian Institute of Surveyors (NIS) Chairman, Oyo State chapter, Mr. Waheed Lamidi, among others.