Ibadan: The Chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors (NIS), Oyo State Branch, Mr. Lamidi Waheed, has issued a warning regarding the prevalence of scams involving backdated survey plans. He stated that many Nigerians have fallen victim to these scams in their pursuit of cheaper services.

According to News Agency of Nigeria, Waheed emphasized that backdated survey plans cannot be registered with the Office of the Oyo State Surveyor-General. He clarified that there is no legitimate concept of a backdated survey plan and that such practices force landowners to falsify information on property documents to synchronize dates across all documents.

Waheed pointed out that only a registered surveyor can properly determine a land's status, whether it falls under government acquisition or has been previously purchased by another party, potentially leading to land disputes. He highlighted that registered professional surveyors can be identified by a unique registration number and professional seal from NIS.

The chairman advised involving professionals in land documentation to prevent significant financial losses that can occur when attempting to avoid nominal professional fees.

Mr. Stephen Mustapha, the Public Relations Officer of NIS in Oyo State, echoed Waheed's concerns. He noted that many artisans in the land business falsely claim to be registered surveyors. Survey plans issued by these unqualified individuals bypass the proper lodgement procedure at the surveyor-general's office, indicating that such land lacks an official government record.

According to the institution's spokesman, Oyo NIS has nearly 400 registered surveyors, each with unique practicing numbers and seals linked to traceable addresses. He added that NIS regulates its members' activities through regular training, seminars, and strict enforcement of laws and professional ethics.