LAND ACQUISITION

This study examines the roles of Estate Surveyors and Valuers acting as attorneys in compulsory land acquisition, with particular emphasis on their selection process, performance, and the nature and extent of professional lapses as perceived by Project Affected Persons. The study adopts a cross sectional survey research design and focuses on three communities, Okunigho-Jesse, Ugbukurusu-Sapele, and Uzere. Primary data were obtained through structured questionnaires administered to Project Affected Persons. Sixty-six (66), One hundred and thirty-one (131), and fifty-five (55) questionnaires were administered in Okunigho-Jesse, Ugbukurusu-Sapele, and Uzere communities respectively while 62, 117, 53 questionnaires were retrieved respectively. Descriptive statistical tools, including frequencies, percentages, mean scores, and ranking, were used for data analysis. The findings reveal marked variations across the study communities. In Okunigho-Jesse and Uzere, the selection of Estate Surveyors and Valuers as attorneys was characterized by relatively high awareness, transparency, and participation of Project Affected Persons, resulting in high levels of satisfaction with both the selection process and the roles performed. Respondents in these communities expressed strong satisfaction with key attorney functions, particularly fair valuation of land and properties, effective negotiation with acquiring authorities, and advisory support during the acquisition process. Perceived professional lapses in these communities were generally low and limited mainly to issues of delayed communication and post-acquisition support. In contrast, the Ugbukurusu-Sapele Community recorded low levels of participation and transparency in the selection process, which translated into widespread dissatisfaction with attorney performance. Respondents in this community reported high levels of perceived professional lapses, including bias, conflict of interest, inadequate monitoring for irregularities or underpayment, and inaccurate or unfair valuations with mean values of 4.31, 4.21 and 4.17 respectively. The study further establishes a clear inverse relationship between satisfaction with attorney roles and the perceived extent of professional lapses. The study concludes that transparent and participatory selection processes, sustained professional engagement, effective communication, and strict adherence to ethical standards are critical to improving the performance of Estate Surveyors and Valuers acting as attorneys in compulsory land acquisition. It recommends stronger regulatory oversight, enhanced stakeholder participation, and a lifecycle approach to professional representation to promote fairness, trust, and socially sustainable acquisition outcomes.