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By Daniel Adaji
A member of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers, Odesanya Sakiru Tunde, has called for stronger collaboration between government and estate professionals to make housing more affordable and accessible in Ogun State.
In a statement shared with Pointblanknews.com on Sunday, Tunde emphasised the critical role estate surveyors and valuers play in addressing the housing challenges in the state.
“The housing sector in Nigeria is grappling with inadequate supply, high construction costs, and limited access to finance,” he said, adding that estate surveyors and valuers in private practice are crucial to bridging this gap.
Ogun State, located in Nigeria’s southwest, has witnessed rapid population growth in recent years, leading to increased demand for housing.
While the government has set up institutions like the Ogun State Housing Corporation and the Ogun State Property and Investment Corporation to respond, Tunde believes much remains to be done.
“The state has made efforts through initiatives like Prince Court Phases One and Two, Prince Court Ijebu Ode, and the Kobape Estate. But the reality is that these houses are still out of reach for the average indigene,” he noted.
According to him, “Most of these houses are being acquired by people outside the country. The mortgage institution requirements are also very difficult to meet. Therefore, creating a class for ordinary men to have access to mortgage loans is essential.”
Estate surveyors and valuers, he explained, are not just involved in property valuation. They also handle feasibility studies, project management, and facilities maintenance – key components that ensure the success and sustainability of housing projects.
“We determine project viability, estimate costs, and manage construction from start to finish,” Tunde said.
Despite their importance, Tunde pointed out that professionals in the sector face serious challenges.
“Limited access to funding, tough regulatory environments, and intense competition in the market make it difficult to function optimally,” he said.
He called on the government to do more. “Government should support estate surveyors and valuers with funding and reduce regulatory bottlenecks. We also need a review of mortgage institution requirements to make them more accessible to ordinary citizens,” he added.
Tunde also recommended stronger collaboration between professionals and other players in the sector. “There should be synergy between surveyors, developers, financiers, and government agencies. That’s the only way to achieve meaningful results.”
“If we truly want to solve the housing deficit, we must focus on affordability and inclusivity. Estate surveyors and valuers are ready to play their part,” he said.