03/05/2026
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐔𝐧𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐞𝐝 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐥 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐮𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐲𝐬: 𝐀 𝐂𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐥𝐲 𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞
Land ownership is one of the most significant investments a person can make. However, securing your investment begins with ensuring that your land is accurately surveyed and documented by a qualified and licensed surveyor. Unfortunately, many people fall victim to the lure of cheap services offered by unqualified individuals posing as professionals. This mistake often leads to devastating consequences, as seen in a recent case in Makurdi Local Government Area.
In 2020, an individual purchased a piece of land in Makurdi and, on January 7, 2025, requested the reestablishment of the boundary beacons of the property. However, when the surveyor arrived at the site, it was discovered that the entire piece of land was within the Railway line's Right of Way—an area reserved for railway development where private ownership is prohibited.
A closer examination of the Survey Plan provided to the buyer revealed that it was produced by an unqualified individual who had no legal authority to practice surveying. This grave error not only invalidated the buyer’s claim to the land but also left them in a state of confusion and financial loss. Now, the buyer is faced with the question: Who should compensate them—the land seller or the unqualified surveyor?
The Risks of Engaging Unqualified Surveyors
This unfortunate situation highlights the dangers of engaging unqualified individuals to handle critical tasks like land surveying. Here are some key risks involved:
1. Invalid Survey Plans: Only licensed surveyors can produce legally recognized Survey Plans. Any plan made by an unqualified person is invalid and cannot protect the buyer’s interests in case of disputes.
2. Encroachment and Trespass: Unqualified personnel lack the technical expertise to verify the boundaries and legal status of a piece of land. This often leads to situations where buyers unknowingly acquire land within restricted areas, such as rights of way or government reserves.
3. Financial Loss: Buyers risk losing their hard-earned money because an invalid Survey Plan offers no protection under the law. Recovering the investment becomes a lengthy and uncertain process.
4. Legal Implications: Engaging unqualified personnel is a violation of the law. Both the individual posing as a surveyor and those who patronize them can face legal penalties.
Who Is Responsible for Compensation?
In the Makurdi case, responsibility for the buyer’s predicament is shared between the land seller and the unqualified surveyor:
- The Land Seller: The seller has an obligation to ensure that the land they are selling is free from encumbrances, including encroachments into restricted areas. Failing to disclose such issues amounts to fraud or misrepresentation.
- The Unqualified Surveyor: The individual who prepared the faulty Survey Plan is equally culpable for misleading the buyer. Their lack of expertise and authority directly contributed to the buyer’s financial loss.
Protect Yourself: Always Engage Licensed Surveyors
To avoid falling victim to such situations, here are steps you can take to protect yourself when purchasing land:
1. Verify the Surveyor’s Credentials: Always ensure that the person handling your survey is licensed by the appropriate regulatory body, such as the Surveyors Council of Nigeria (SURCON).
2. Request a Registered Survey Plan: A valid Survey Plan will have a seal, signature, and registration number of the licensed surveyor who prepared it.
3. Conduct Due Diligence: Verify the land’s status with relevant government agencies to ensure it is free from encumbrances.
4. Avoid Cheap Offers: The promise of saving money by hiring unqualified personnel often results in far greater losses. Always prioritize quality and professionalism over cost.
Conclusion
The Makurdi case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of engaging unqualified personnel for critical services like land surveying. While the responsibility for compensating the buyer may lie with both the land seller and the fake surveyor, the real lesson is clear: prevention is better than cure. Always insist on working with licensed surveyors to secure your investment and avoid the heartache of losing your land.
Protect yourself today by choosing professionalism over shortcuts. Your peace of mind is worth it.
