By: Tijani Salako.

The Nigerian Institute of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV), Lagos State Branch, has clarified the long-standing misconception surrounding the role of Estate Surveyors and Valuers, stressing that the profession goes beyond that of a housing or property agent and upholds high standards of professional practice.

The Lagos State Chairman of NIESV, Mr. Tosin Kadiri, made this known during an interview where he explained the clear distinction between Estate Surveyors and Valuers and estate agents. He underscored the importance of regulation, professional training, and licensing in the real estate sector.

According to him, an Estate Surveyor and Valuer is a professional duly registered and licensed by the Estate Surveyors and Valuers Registration Board of Nigeria (ESVARBON), the statutory body responsible for regulating the profession in Nigeria.

“Once you are registered and licensed, you can rightly be referred to as an Estate Surveyor and Valuer,” he stated.

He explained that while estate agency practice is recognised under Nigerian law, practitioners are required to under go proper registration and training processes to ensure accountability and professionalism.

To streamline agency practice, he noted that the Association of Estate Agents in Nigeria was established to bring agents under a more structured and regulated framework.

“We are not trying to push them out. We are bringing them into the fold to ensure there are checks, balances, and ethical standards,” he said.

Mr. Kadiri further observed that agency functions form part of the professional responsibilities of Estate Surveyors and Valuers. However, he acknowledged that the relatively easy entry into agency activities has created loopholes that expose members of the public to risks.

He maintained that proper registration and regulatory oversight would enhance professionalism, protect clients, and improve the overall credibility of the real estate industry.