By Kingsley Adegboye

Twenty years after the conceptualisation of a secretariat for the Lagos State Branch of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers , NIESV, the two-storey building jointly owned by the Branch and its national body in the highbrow Ikeja CBD, Alausa, will now be commissioned in January 2012.

NIESV President, Mr. Bode Adediji gave the assurance last week at an event organized by the professional body to raise funds to enable it put finishing touches to the expansive structure. Vanguard Homes & Property learnt that major works yet to be completed include the electrical fittings, painting, installation of doors, toilet wares and the landscaping of the premises.

Mr. Adediji who said the January target for the commissioning of the project which will serve as national and Lagos branch secretariat of the “noble profession” cannot be compromised. According to him, the NIESV’s liaison office in Ikoyi and NIESV’s Learning Centre will commence operation in the new building in January next year.

He explained that the rents for the two offices will not be renewed in January, as the new building will be ready for occupation by then. He enjoined all estate surveyors and valuers to see the completion of the project latest by this December as a priority. This, they could do by redeeming their pledges towards the project.

The Lagos branch chairman, Mr. Solomon Olusola Fatoki said the journey towards having a secretariat building for the state branch of the institution started over 20 years ago. Commending the vision of the past chairmen for the laudable achievement, he added that about N45 million has been spent since work commenced on the project barely a year ago through direct labour.

Giving the historical background of the project, the chairman of the fund raising committee, Dr. Joshua Ajayi-Patunola, a past chairman of Lagos branch, said while the approval of the building was got in 2000, the contract for the construction of the property was awarded between 2005 and 2006 to Messrs Asia Nigeria Limited. But actual construction started in 2006.

It was in the same year that NIESV at national level showed interest in the project which led to the joint ownership. He noted that as at 2009, the project had been completed to the second floor decking level, pointing out however, that the contract was terminated due to delay by the contractor handling the project.

He said in November 2010, the contract was re-awarded to another contractor on labour basis while the joint building committee was responsible for procurement of materials. He pointed out however, that before the contract was terminated, the project had gulped N38 million.