Bayelsa Government Warns Surveyors Against Illegal Transactions on Government Lands

The Bayelsa State Government has warned surveyors against conducting surveys on government-acquired lands without proper verification, as part of efforts to address illegal land transactions in the state.

The Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Barr. Perepuighe Biewari, issued the warning during a meeting with leaders of the Nigerian Institute of Surveyors at the State Secretariat Complex in Yenagoa.Biewari expressed concern over reports that some surveyors allegedly survey government-owned properties for clients without advising them against the transactions.

He identified areas opposite Bayelsa Palm and parts of New Yenagoa City as locations affected by the activities.According to the commissioner, the government will prosecute individuals found engaging in illegal land dealings and urged prospective buyers to verify land ownership before making purchases.

He also assured surveyors that the government would provide access to records of government-owned lands to improve verification processes and compliance. Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Lands, Pere Amanda Egbuson, commended surveyors for their contributions to development and urged them to maintain professional and ethical standards.

Responding on behalf of the delegation, Chairman of the Association of Private Practicing Surveyors of Nigeria, MacDonald Tarinyo, said the absence of a centralised database for government lands had created challenges for proper verification. He added that land buyers and legal practitioners also have a responsibility to conduct due diligence before completing transactions.