The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, has called on the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIES) to play a stronger role in supporting the Federal Government’s gas-led energy transition and infrastructure development drive.
Ekpo made the call while delivering a keynote address at a forum organised by NIES, where he underscored the importance of professional collaboration in achieving Nigeria’s energy security and economic growth objectives.
According to the minister, the success of gas infrastructure projects, including pipelines, processing facilities, and industrial hubs, depends largely on efficient land administration, transparent valuation systems, and credible advisory services.
“Estate surveyors and valuers are critical stakeholders in the energy value chain. Your expertise in land management, asset valuation, and project advisory is essential to attracting investment and ensuring the smooth execution of gas projects across the country,” Ekpo said.
He noted that unresolved land acquisition challenges, compensation disputes, and valuation inconsistencies often delay energy projects, stressing that stronger engagement with professional bodies such as NIES would help address these bottlenecks.
The minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for investors through policy reforms, regulatory clarity, and sustained stakeholder engagement, adding that gas remains central to Nigeria’s industrialisation agenda.
Ekpo also commended NIES for its professionalism and urged members to align their practices with national development priorities, global best practices, and sustainability goals to support long-term infrastructure growth.