EFFECTS OF QUACKERY IN THE PRACTICE OF CADASTRAL SURVEY IN NIGERIA AND POSSIBLE REMEDIES

Abstract

Cadastral survey is any survey exercise or activity executed in connection with any land prepared under the law for any registrable instrument or judgment or order of court and any other survey as may be defined from time to time by SURCON (Surveyors Council of Nigeria). The high demand for cadastral survey, limited resources for cadastral controls, ill practices of nonsurvey personnel, and unethical activities of our registered surveyors have given rise to the activities of quacks in the surveying profession. Although, there are laws and regulations guiding the practices of surveying profession a view to strengthen the practices of cadastral surveying, the activities ofquarks have caused so many harms such as boundary dispute, unreliability of survey control points, inability to reestablish lost boundary pillars and poor public perception of land surveying to the society. The cadastral surveying practice in Nigeria will soon be watered down by quackery if no urgent measure is taken to stop the menace. This paper highlights the activities of quacks and their effect on cadastral survey and has proffer the following solutions to help improve cadastral survey practice; Creation of computer assisted cadastral system, Committee should be inaugurated to monitor who are quacks and their activities, Strict enforcement of survey laws, Educating members of the public on the identities of registered surveyors, Graduate should be encouraged by government and relevant stakeholders to enroll for registration, finally, SURCON should organize seminar and media programs that will educate the public on the dangers quackery. The reduction of the activities of quacks in cadastral survey practice therefore, will no doubt guarantee the security of life and property which will in turn lead to a peaceful society.