Title: Gov. Fubara Affirms Surveyors’ Central Role in Governance, Warns Against Federal Encroachment on Land Titles Date Published: 12 February 2026 Description: Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has underscored the pivotal role of surveyors in effective governance, describing their contributions as fundamental to orderly development, peace and sustainable growth in society.The Governor said surveyors play a critical role in physical and urban planning, housing delivery, land administration and infrastructure development, noting that their expertise is indispensable to sound policy implementation and environmental management.Governor Fubara made the remarks while speaking as Special Guest at the National Conference of the Association of Private Practicing Surveyors of Nigeria (APPSN), a professional arm of the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors (NIS), held on Thursday at the Obi-Wali Cultural Centre, Port Harcourt.Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Benibo Anabraba, the Governor stressed that the presence of qualified surveyors in ministries, departments and agencies helps to ensure adherence to best practices in land use, infrastructure provision, environmental protection and dispute resolution.He described the conference theme, “Mapping the Future: The Vital Roles of Surveyors in the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry,” as particularly relevant to Rivers State, given its strategic position as Nigeria’s hydrocarbon hub.However, the Governor expressed concern over certain unprofessional practices within the surveying profession, especially issues surrounding the acquisition of Rights of Way and seismic operations, which he said have continued to impede development in the state.Governor Fubara also raised strong objections to what he termed attempts to undermine land ownership and title in Rivers State through the alleged issuance of Federal Certificates of Occupancy by the Office of the Surveyor-General of the Federation and other federal agencies.He maintained that such actions contradict Section 1 of the Land Use Act, Cap L5, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, which vests all land within a state in the Governor, to be held in trust for the people.The Governor further decried the menace of land grabbing through illegal survey plans and the payment of inadequate compensation to landowners during compulsory land acquisition for oil and gas exploration, urging surveyors to uphold professionalism, fairness and the rule of law.He also charged the association to champion ethical and sustainable planning practices, including the protection of green spaces, marine environments and forest reserves.In his remarks, President of the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors, Surv. Pius Eze, expressed optimism about the conference, urging participants to leverage the platform for professional development, collaboration and networking, while commending APPSN for its consistency of vision and commitment to private practitioners.National Chairman of APPSN, Surv. Simepiriye Kalio, thanked leaders and members of the association for their dedication and sacrifices, which he said had contributed to the successes recorded so far.Similarly, Chairman of APPSN in Rivers State, Surv. Andy Nwikinane, said the association is working with relevant stakeholders to curb the activities of quacks and safeguard professional standards within the surveying profession. Attached Images: 272687a4c17054be6eb64b8fba7471f57da4fad08e8e56744292de1be857f690.png Attached Video: None