As contracts for the clean-up of Ogoniland are about to be awarded to companies who tendered bids with the Federal Government, the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers has called on the Federal Government to ensure that proper work is done on the clean-up of Ogoniland to avoid land stigmatisation.
Mr Roland Abonta, The National President of the institution made the call during a seminar which held on Thursday in Port Harcourt with the theme, ‘Continuing professional development’.
Abonta stated that if those contracted to do the job failed to properly clean Ogoniland, investors would stay away from the area, adding that the situation would not improve the economy of the Ogoni people.
He pointed out that a clean-up done without embracing global standards would be retrogressive and added that business would be taken away from the area.
Abonta stated, “The institution is concerned about the Ogoni clean-up. If the clean-up of Ogoniland is not properly done, it will lead to land stigmatisation, which will affect business and economic activities in the area.
“That is why we are calling on stakeholders, including the Federal Government, to watch closely and ensure that a proper job is done in the clean-up of Ogoniland.”
Abonta also highlighted the need for the National Assembly to immediately remove the 1978 Land Use Act from the Constitution.
He argued that the rigidity of the Act remained an encumbrance for professionals, who were interested in meeting up with the dynamics of the economy and environmental needs.
Explaining that it was necessary for the Land Use Act to stand on its own, the president of NIESV stated that the review of the Act was long overdue.
