NIGER STATE PERM. SEC. LAUDS ESTATE SURVEYORS, REAFFIRMS SSG'S SUPPORT FOR PROFESSIONAL BODIES

By Abubakar Adamu Kuta

The Permanent Secretary, Political Affairs, Office of the Secretary to the Government of Niger State (SSG), ESV James Bake, has described Estate Surveying and Valuation as a noble profession that plays a critical role in ensuring the effective management of resources and promoting sustainable development.

ESV James Bake stated this when the newly elected Executive Committee of the Niger State Branch of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) paid him a courtesy visit as a veteran and senior colleague in the profession at the Conference Hall of the SSG’s Office in Minna.

The Permanent Secretary emphasized the indispensable role of Estate Surveyors and Valuers in infrastructure development, land administration, property management, and compensation valuation. He recalled his contribution as an Estate Surveyor and Valuer during the execution of the famous Minna–Bida Road project, noting that the experience underscored the strategic importance of the profession in the successful implementation of major government projects.

ESV Bake further assured the delegation of the unwavering commitment of the Secretary to the Government of Niger State, Alhaji Abubakar Usman, to supporting professional bodies across the state in contributing their expertise towards the realization of the New Niger Agenda of the Farmer Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago. He noted that the SSG recognizes the critical role of professional institutions as partners in policy formulation, project implementation, and sustainable development.

He also assured the delegation of his commitment to facilitating an audience with the Secretary to the Government of Niger State and subsequently with the Farmer Governor of Niger State, whom he described as the Grand Patron of the institution, to further strengthen collaboration between the government and the professional body.

The Permanent Secretary congratulated the newly inaugurated executives and expressed confidence in their ability to provide purposeful leadership that would further advance the ideals and objectives of the institution.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers, Niger State Branch, ESV Dr. Abubakar Usman Salihu, said the purpose of the visit was to identify with the Permanent Secretary and seek collaboration with the state government, particularly in the area of estate valuation and other professional services that would enhance governance and development.

Goodwill messages were delivered by senior officials in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of Niger State, including the Director of Administration, Economic Affairs, Mr. Paul P. Timothy, who extolled the professional competence, integrity, and exemplary leadership qualities of the Permanent Secretary.

The current leadership of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers, Niger State Branch, emerged from elections held in March and was inaugurated in May 2026. The Executive Committee is led by ESV Dr. Abubakar Usman Salihu as Chairman, with ESV Amina Kolo as Vice Chairman, ESV Dr. Hassan Shuaibu Liman as Secretary, ESV Yisa Benjamin as Assistant Secretary, and ESV Olasupo Hassan as Ex-Officio.