National Growth: Ex- Ghanian President Urges Public Officials To Declare Assets
A former Ghanaian president, John Dramani Mahama, Thursday, said for Nigeria to rise again as giant of Africa the country must maximise the potentials inherent in compelling public officials to declare their asset as a tool for nation-building and anti-corruption.
According to the blueprint.ng, he stated this in a keynote address delivered in Ilorin, the kwara state capital during the 53rd annual national conference of the Nigeria Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) with the theme “Asset Valuation as Global Anti- Corruption Tool: The Nigerian Experience.”
The special guest of honour also cautioned professionals engaged in estate valuations “to limit using arbitrary powers in estate valuations.”
He noted that in most instances assets declared by public officials are either undervalued or overvalued by valuers for dubious reasons.
“In addition to the institution’s efforts, estate surveying and valuation companies must adhere to laws and standards and take internal steps to prevent corruption in asset valuation.
‘Finally, the Nigerian institution of estate surveyors and valuers must champion efforts to enhance real-time data availability, improve technology adoption for land and real estate online services, and formulate relevant legislation for property management.
“With the leadership and commitment of the NIESV, asset valuation as a global
anti-corruption tool will take firm roots in Nigeria with the hope that the giant of
West Africa will rise again and soar like the eagle that calls its compatriots to obey,” the former Ghanaian president said.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara state, represented by his deputy, Mr Kayode Alabi, said the theme of the conference, was apt as it keys into the main focus of the current APC-led administration to fighting corruption which is an endemic problem confronting our corporate existence as a nation.
“It is also a testament to the commitment of NIESV as a worthy partner of the Nigerian government in the quest to enthroning a corrupt-free society through active citizen’s participation and engagement,” he said.
