Desist from backdating survey plans, NIS cautions Nigerians

THE Nigerian Institution of Surveyors (NIS) has charged members of the public to desist from indulging in backdating of survey plans and patronising fake and unregistered surveyors.

Chairman, Lagos branch of the institution, Olugbenga Alara, made the call on Monday while speaking at a Town Hall meeting held at the Palace of Ranodu of Imota Land, Oba Ajibade Bakare-Agoro, in Imota as part of activities marking the 31st Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the branch.

Alara said it was important for members of the public to desist from patronising touts who would assure them of helping to backdate survey plans.

According to him, apart from the fact that such move was against the law establishing the institution, no registered member of the association would ever promise to do such, as it was against the law and ethics of the profession.

Alara said the NIS, as the umbrella body for professional surveyors, had been at the forefront of canvassing for strict adherence to due process, especially with regards to surveying, pointing out that the profession had a critical role to play in ensuring proper planning and order in the society.

“We are here as part of activities marking our AGM to sensitise and advance relationship with members of the public on the roles of surveyors in the society.

“The NIS is an organisation that takes seriously the issue of ethics and compliance with due process and we like to use this medium to urge the public to avoid any surveyor that tells them he can help to backdate survey plan. There is nothing in our law that supports this and no registered member of the Institution can tell you he can do that.

“As a matter of fact, any surveyor that says he can do that must be an impostor and that could be a way to detect fake surveyors. Before giving job to any surveyor, do a proper background check and ask the necessary questions,” Alara said.

Responding, Oba Bakare-Agoro described the surveying profession as a noble one which he said was very important in the society.

He expressed deep appreciation to the Lagos State branch of the Institution for deeming it appropriate to hold the first ever Town Hall meeting at his palace and by extension in Imota, and urged the public to always support the profession.

Earlier, the team made a brief stopover at Home of God’s Grace For Orphans and Widows in Agbowa where they donated several items to the orphanage home as part of activities marking the AGM.