By Jude Njoku

Former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory FCT, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, has called on built environment professionals in the country to uphold the tenet of professionalism in their  service to the nation.

The former Bureau of Public Enterprises Director-General who spoke through Mr. Martins Akumazi at the induction of new Associates of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers, NIESV in Abuja charged the inductees to always give clients value for their money.

El-Rufai who is a frontline quantity surveyor posited that the problem with Nigerian professionals is their disposition towards money rather than carving a niche for themselves by building a brand around integrity and professionalism.

The Congress for Progressive Change CPC stalwart enjoined estate surveyors, particularly the upcoming ones to eschew any form of professional misconduct and dishonesty while carrying out their professional services and enjoined the inductees to build their career on integrity which  he said, is more sustainable  than money.

Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development Ms. Ama Pepple, who was represented by an estate surveyor and valuer and deputy director in the Ministry, Mr. G. T. Tanbasi, challenged professionals in the country to always upgrade themselves and ensure they are on top of issues around their respective professions.

She told the land experts that  the nation was looking up to them to provide veritable solutions to the issue of housing shortage in the country.

NIESV President, Mr. Emeka Eleh said Nigerian professionals have what it takes in terms of skill and competencies to meet up with global standards when called upon to render their professional service.