By Capital Watch Media
The Ogun State branch of the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors, NIS, has called for stronger collaboration with the state’s police command to address the challenges posed by land-grabbing activities.
During a courtesy visit on 5 February 2025 to the Commissioner of Police, CP Lanre Ogunlowo PhD, the NIS delegation expressed concerns over the wrongful arrest of surveyors while carrying out their professional duties on disputed lands.
The delegation highlighted several key issues, including cases where surveyors were arrested alongside land grabbers despite being legally employed for surveying assignments.
They also pointed out the frequent misrepresentation of surveyors as land sellers.
“The public needs to understand that our role is in land planning, demarcation, and delineation, not in granting land titles or ownership,” a representative of the NIS stated.
The surveyors also raised concerns over threats, harassment, and violence from criminal elements during site inspections, calling for increased security and public enlightenment on their professional responsibilities.
In response, CP Lanre Ogunlowo acknowledged the growing problem of land grabbing and assured the delegation of the police command’s commitment to protecting law-abiding surveyors.
“The police will continue to support genuine professionals, but surveyors must also uphold strict ethical standards and refrain from colluding with land grabbers or falsifying survey plans,” Ogunlowo warned.
He further advised surveyors to recognise that land disputes are primarily civil matters and should be resolved in court unless criminal elements such as violence or use of weapons are involved.
The Commissioner reaffirmed that the police would take decisive action against illegal actors in land disputes while ensuring the protection of registered and law-abiding surveyors.
The Ogun State Police Command urged the public to seek legal channels for resolving land disputes, emphasising its commitment to maintaining law, order, and justice.
