Right of Way holds conference in Rivers

The Nigerian chapter of International Right of Way Association (IRWA) will hold its 5th Annual Education Conference in Port Harcourt, River State this month.

The theme of the conference is “Improving Stakeholders Engagement in Right of way Acquisition for Infrastructural Development”. It will be delivered by the General Manager, External relations, Nigeria Shell Petroleum Development Company, Igo Weli while the sub-theme on ‘Innovations in Right of Way Project Delivery,’ will be handled by Dr. Victor Akujuru.

The Special Adviser to Rivers State Governor on Lands and Survey, Dr. Anugbum Onuoha will present the keynote address in the one-day conference, expected to attract members from all over the country.

President, IWA Chapter 84, Nigeria, Emmanuel Mark explained in a statement that the programme would equip members with the know how in their practice and new trends in infrastructural acquisitions and real estate developments.

IRWA is a volunteer-driven organization comprised of multi-disciplined professionals employed by private industry and government agencies, which was inaugurated in 2013, as the first chapter in West Africa and the second in Africa.

The global body has nearly 10,000 members from over 15 countries around the world. Members include Nigeria Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers, Nigeria Institution of Surveyors, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Nigeria Environmental Society.

Mark said the Right-Of-Way acquisition has become an integral component of the overall planning and implementation of highway and transportation projects. “The dual objective of every Right-Of-Way activity are to ensure security of the assets and to guarantee that they sustainably managed such that income streams can finance infrastructural developments over time.

“Our association is the foremost organization of global infrastructure real estate practitioners, with the primary purpose of improving the quality of life through infrastructure development. Our relationship with various Federal and State agencies has been cordial,” he said.

“Before now, our members have been working with government agencies, individual and through their various professional associations however, we will be offering better services through our multi-disciplinary membership,” Mark added.