The Association of Private Practising Surveyors of Nigeria (APPSN) has renewed its call for urgent judicial reforms to tackle the rising cases of quackery and fraudulent practices within the surveying profession.
At its annual professional workshop and luncheon held in Lagos, themed,
‘Building the Resilient Surveyor: Integrating Legacy Practice with Innovation and Corporate Excellence”, participants expressed concern that weak law enforcement and sluggish court processes were allowing impostors to thrive, issuing fake survey plans and engaging in double land allocations.
These practices, they noted, are contributing to land disputes that delay critical infrastructure and housing developments across Lagos .
Delivering the keynote address, Oluwaseyi Mapaderoun emphasized the need for the legal system to adapt to the pace of urban expansion in Lagos.
“We catch people producing fake survey plans, but they go unpunished for years because the judicial process is overworked and still largely analog. Without swift justice and effective deterrents, fraud will persist. We need reforms that fast-track land-related cases and punish impostors to protect investors and professionals alike,”he said
Mapaderoun highlighted the association’s ongoing efforts to promote transparency through technology.
He revealed that APPSN has introduced a “Red Dot” programme and an online public register to help individuals verify licensed surveyors. The association is also exploring blockchain technology to develop tamper-proof land records.
APPSN Chairman, Afolabi Olaoluwa, said the body is intensifying internal disciplinary measures and collaborating with government agencies to eliminate quackery from the profession.
“Our parent body, the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors, already operates an ethics committee. Members found guilty of malpractice face sanctions proportionate to their offences. “However, we cannot fight this alone. We must partner with the government to reduce unprofessional practices in both private and public projects,”Olaoluwa said.
He also stressed the importance of embracing emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), to modernize the profession.
“AI will not replace surveyors — it will enhance our capabilities. Tasks that once took days can now be done in minutes with AI-enabled tools. That’s why we’re investing in training to ensure our members keep up with innovation,” Olaoluwa said .
Also speaking at the event, Ayokunnu Adesina, Senior Special Assistant to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Survey Matters, lauded APPSN for its proactive approach.
He pledged continued state support for reforms and urged deeper collaboration with the Lagos State Government.
“Lagos is heavily investing in digital land administration, and we see surveyors as key partners. Your blockchain and verification initiatives align with our goal to make land transactions faster, more transparent, and less prone to abuse,” Adesina said.
He assured stakeholders that the state would continue reviewing land-related policies and supporting judicial reforms to safeguard the interests of genuine professionals and investors.
