Esv. Sir Chief Emmanuel Okas Wike, President and Chairman of Council of Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers has applauded the Executive Order 11 recently signed by President Muhammad Buhari in Abuja. He made a thorough review of the order and its attendant impact on addressing the deplorable state of public buildings, strengthen and sustain its development in the country. He made this statement at a press conference held on Saturday 23 April, 2022 at the Hotel Presidential in Port Harcourt.
He noted that the Federal Government apparently irked by the dilapidating state of public buildings across the country, necessitated President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday, April 6, 2022 at the State House in Abuja to sign into law the Executive Order 11, which he regarded as a landmark order which focuses essentially on the maintenance of public buildings.
According to him, the order is the first attempt of the Government to articulate a policy framework for maintenance of national infrastructures, the Executive Order expects Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government (MDAs) to set up maintenance departments. The Order which gives legal backing to the country’s national maintenance policy also expects the office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation to establish a department of federal public assets maintenance.
The Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) commends President Muhammadu Buhari for signing the Executive Order which would address the deplorable state of public buildings, strengthen and sustain its development as well as the development of infrastructures in the country.
Sir Emmanuel Wike noted with satisfaction that building maintenance which is an important aspect of building management is often neglected and NIESV expects that implementation of the Executive Order would give a facelift to public buildings across the country.
In his words “with institutionalization of maintenance culture, buildings would retain its economic life, there would be lower depreciation cost, and consequently, there would be higher productivity and profitability”.
He further stated that “NIESV has been a dependable partner with the Federal and State Governments for about 53 years of our existence in Policy Formulation, Land Administration, Infrastructure and Facility Management for Public and Private Assets, Property Management, Housing and Project Development in general, Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers fully endorse this unprecedented approach to maintenance in the history of our country”. He further stated that the Institute is also ready to partner with the government in the implementation of this well intentioned policy.
Meanwhile he also commended the Rivers State Branch of the the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers as one of the first Branches of the Institution to be established. He noted that since its establishment, the Branch has been threading the path of growth, expansion, and a steady flow of innovations in the way and manners it conduct its activities.
Chief Wike reported that between 1974 and date, Rivers State Branch has been a dependable partner with Rivers State Government and has contributed remarkably to the development of Rivers State.
The Branch has positively and progressively made tremendous impacts on the State, and has consistently complimented the efforts of the state government in the areas of Land Acquisition and Compensation by providing professional services to both government and the general public he noted.
As a major stakeholder and partner in the development of Rivers State, we have as a mark of duty and responsibility ensured that we compliment government efforts, and in this regard, we have been consistent.
As part of the NIESV’s efforts in growing the economy of the state, the Rivers State Branch of the Institution will be hosting the 52nd Annual Conference of the Institute in Port Harcourt from Monday, June 20, 2022 to Saturday, June 25, 2022. The Branch will play host to more than 5000 Estate Surveyors and Valuers from all over of the country.
He noted that the presence of the State Governor, His Excellency, Mr. Nyesom Wike and other top government officials would definitely add glamour to the event, and shall be highly appreciated. We would also appreciate the support of the government in making the Conference a huge success.
The President of NIESV therefore use the opportunity to reassure the government of Rivers State on behalf of The Council that “we would continue to partner with the government in effective Land Administration/Management, Assets Valuation for all purposes, Property Rating and Taxation, Management of Public Facilities for efficiency, Enumeration and Assessment of Taxable Properties in Rivers State for improved revenue generation and in all its developmental efforts”.