It lamented that the continuous usurpation of the roles by the Works Ministry is embarrassing and counterproductive.
He said land acquisition and payment of compensation have been the statutory functions of the Ministry of Lands as enshrined in the Land Use Act, Cap 202, LFN, 1990, Sections 29 and 29, making the determination of the value of compensation the exclusive reserve of the Director of Lands in the Ministry of Lands/Water Resources.
He said, “The continued usurpation of those functions by the Ministry of Works as currently going on will very likely embarrass the government and exact great cost if not checked.” Akpan who led others on a courtesy visit to the Commissioner for Lands and Water Resources, Capt. Iniobong Ekong briefed him on the functions of the body which include, Valuation of assets/properties for all purposes, land acquisition/compensation payment, property rating/administration, property/facility management and property development and financing etc, calling on the state government to patronise them to contribute to the growth and development of the state.