Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has expressed concern over the alleged issuance of a “Federal Certificate of Occupancy” by the Office of the Surveyor-General of the Federation, warning that such action poses a threat to land ownership rights in the state.
Fubara stated this on Thursday in Port Harcourt while speaking as Special Guest at the 4th Annual National Conference and Retreat of the Association of Private Practising Surveyors of Nigeria, a subgroup of the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors.
He said the reported issuance of federal land titles within the state contradicts existing laws.
“The production and issuance of a so-called ‘Federal Certificate of Occupancy’ to claim lands and waterways in Rivers State is contrary to Section 1 of the Land Use Act, which vests all land in a state in the governor as trustee,” Fubara said.
The governor stressed that such developments raise serious concerns about land administration and ownership in the state, particularly given Rivers’ strategic importance as a hub for oil exploration and production.
Highlighting the theme of the conference, ‘Mapping the Future: The Vital Roles of Surveyors in the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry,’ Fubara noted that surveyors play a central role in development planning and infrastructure delivery.
“The work of surveyors in determining accurate positions of land, waterways and infrastructure through scientific measurements is critical to governance, peace and orderly development,” he said.
He warned against alleged cases of land grabbing through the use of questionable survey plans and the improper placement of survey beacons.
“Land grabbing through the procurement of illegal survey plans and the superimposition of survey pillars is another issue of concern. There must also be adequate compensation for landowners by licence holders,” he added.
Fubara also emphasised environmental protection in oil exploration activities, calling for the preservation of forests and marine ecosystems.
“We must prioritise green areas, establish marine protected zones and minimise the footprint of seismic operations. Environmental Impact Assessments should be thorough, and affected areas must be restored promptly,” he said.
Despite the concerns raised, the governor commended the association for choosing Port Harcourt as the venue of its conference.
“Your presence here affirms that Rivers State remains peaceful, welcoming and open to investment and collaboration,” he stated.
In his remarks, the National Chairman of APPSN, Simepreye Kalio, said the group plays a complementary role within the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors.
“Our subgroup is strategically positioned to support the broader objectives of the NIS. Such collaboration is essential for the survival and growth of the surveying profession,” Kalio said.
The Rivers State Chairman of APPSN, Andy Nwikinane, underscored the importance of accurate geospatial data to the oil and gas industry.
“Without reliable mapping systems, hydrographic surveys and land administration frameworks, the oil and gas sector cannot function effectively,” he said.
Nwikinane added that surveyors are adopting emerging technologies such as GIS, drone mapping, LIDAR and real-time GPS positioning to enhance safety, cost efficiency and regulatory compliance in the industry.
President of the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors, Pius Eze, urged participants to use the conference to upgrade their professional skills and strengthen networks within the sector.
