Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV)

One of the leading professional bodies in the Nigerian real estate industry is the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV), a non-profit, voluntary, professional body established by a couple of surveyors who had their professional training in the UK and obtained the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors certification.

The institution, which was created in 1969, was set up to furnish the needs of people in landed profession in Nigeria and six years later, it received government recognition through the endorsement of the Estate Surveyors and Valuers (Registration, etc)” Decree No. 24 of 1975.

Although the institution was created with the purpose of bringing indigenous professionals in estate surveying and valuation together, membership is open to foreigners as well under the condition that (a) such people have the required training in estate surveying and valuation and estate management (b) they show proof of being familiar with the laws guiding land and property ownership in Nigeria. For non-professionals however, taking the NIESV Professional Exams is a good way to become a member if such persons are interested in pursuing a career in Estate Surveying and Valuation in Nigeria.

The examination, which is held twice within the year, with the first in May at Abuja and the second in November at three locations i.e. Enugu, Kaduna and Lagos locations, has different points of entry based on the candidate’s educational qualifications. Prospective candidates interested in writing the NIESV Professional Exams are required to first become members of the Institution by completing either the Student form for O’levels/NCE/ND holders or Probationer form for Graduates (BSc or HND). This is to enable them obtain the NIESV Membership Number before they can register for any of the available exams diet.

Membership categories available are Professional, Non-professional, Corporate and Honorary membership.

For professional membership, there are two grades: the Associates and Fellows. The Associates are those who undergo the required training, pass the qualifying examinations, obtain the necessary practical experiences and take the appropriate professional tests. An Associate can later be elevated to the highest grade of “Fellow” after certain requirements have been satisfied as approved by the National Council from time to time. For the non-professional membership, this includes prospective candidates such as Probationers, Graduates and Students who are in the process of taking the qualifying professional exams, but are in the meantime attached to the Institution to further their professional education.

Members in the corporate category are companies and establishments involved in the real estate sector such as developers or manufacturers who the institution believes are in a position to help promote its goals and values based on their practices and operations while Honorary Members are people who are not involved in the practice of the profession, but by reason of their experience or reputation, help to promote the objectives of the institution.

The objectives of the institution is to establish a credible and reputable standard of professional conduct and practice in landed profession, eliminating quacks, promote and protect the interests of the profession in relation with government institutions, associations and statutory bodies as well as instigate and mull over any legislation applicable to the matter of the Institution. It also educates the public on the role of estate surveyors and valuers in the fiscal development of the country and ensures the acquisition of technical knowledge through constructive collaboration with institutions of higher learning and other professional bodies.

The Institution’s Secretariat is located at Plot 759, Independence Avenue (Bassan Plaza), Central Business District, Abuja while the Lagos and Enugu Liaison Offices are located at Plot A, Block 12, Elephant Cement Way,(Opposite Lagos State Secretariat Mosque) CBD, Alausa, Ikeja and Block A, Akalaka House, 127/129, Chime Avenue, New Heaven, Enugu respectively with www.niesv.org.ng as their web address.

NIESV’s scope of services includes valuation of land and buildings for various purposes, land reforms, registration and planning, valuation analysis of construction projects, aviation and navigation installations, plant and machinery equipment and oil and gas installations as well as infrastructure and facilities management. It also renders feasibility and viability assessment of planned development/project, offers advice on property rights, acquisition and transfer, is involved in building maintenance management, project analyses and surveying, property management and development amongst other things.