The Ministry of Lands/Water Resources and the Ministry of Works’ roles in land acquisition and compensation payments in the state should be streamlined, according to the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers in Akwa Ibom State.
It bemoaned how embarrassing and ineffective the Works Ministry’s constant appropriation of functions is.
The appeal was made on Saturday during this year’s Valuation Day celebration in Uyo, with the theme “Valuation: Key to Decision Making for Assets and Resources Optimisation.” by the State Chairman of NIESV, ESV. Obot Akpan.
According to Sections 29(4)(b) and 29(4)(C) of the Land Use Act, Cap. 202, LFN, 1990, the Ministry of Lands has the legal obligation to acquire land and pay compensation; the Director of Lands in the Ministry of Lands/Water Resources has the sole authority to determine the amount of compensation to be paid.
Despite these legal requirements, according to Akpan, the Ministry of Works in the state is supposedly the owner of the compensation value for forcible acquisition. This development has resulted in a lack of documentation of previous land transaction data.
He said, “The continued usurpation of those functions by the Ministry of Works as currently going on will very likely embarrass the government and exact great cost if not checked.”
However, Akpan praised the State Ministry of Lands and Water Resources for its bold initiatives, dynamism, and vision in delivering infrastructure projects and staff welfare, opening up some public estates, mobilising and paying outstanding compensation on acquired public lands, and reclaiming government lands and properties that had previously been invaded by communities, among other things.
Akpan, who was accompanied by others on a courtesy visit to the Commissioner for Lands and Water Resources, Capt. Iniobong Ekong(retd), gave him a briefing on the organization’s duties, which include valuation of assets and properties for all purposes, land acquisition and compensation payments, property rating and administration, property/facility management, and property development and financing, among other things, and urged the state government to support them so they can help with the growth and development of the state.
Responding, the Commissioner for Lands and Water Resources, Capt Iniobong Ekong (retd), who was represented by the director of Town Planning Aniekan Akpan said, it was the responsibility of NIESV to give the value of lands to the state government for effective land administration.
He added that the ministry put in motion plans to ensure that every government land encroached upon is reclaimed.
The event featured a carnival float/road walk along major roads in the Uyo metropolis to sensitise members of the public on the contributions of the body to national development.
