Umuahia, the Abia State capital, was a behive of activity, as the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) held its 56th Annual Conference in the city.
About 2000 members of NIESV from the 36 states of the country and Abuja, the federal capital, and 302 new members (inductees) converged on Umuahia from April 13 to 18, 2026, for the conference, which was the first to be hosted by the State.
Governor Alex Otti of Abia State, in an address at the official opening ceremony, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to repositioning the real estate sector, as a key driver of economic growth.
Governor Otti, who was represented by Ikechukwu Emetu, his deputy, described the event as a significant milestone in Abia’s development journey and a reflection of growing confidence in the state’s reform agenda.
He expressed appreciation to the Victor Alonge, president and chairman of Council of NIESV and his team for choosing Abia as host of the prestigious gathering, noting that the decision underscores the state’s ongoing transformation efforts.
Reaffirming his vision, Governor Otti said that his administration was deliberately pursuing reforms aimed at strengthening land governance, digitising land records, improving title registration processes, and enhancing legal frameworks for property protection.
According to him, these measures are designed to eliminate bottlenecks, improve transparency, boost investor confidence, and position Abia State, as a preferred destination for real estate development and investment.
“We are intentionally rebuilding the systems that support land administration and property ownership, because a modern economy cannot thrive on outdated processes,” the governor stated
He further noted: “Our goal is to make Abia State one of the most transparent and investment-friendly real estate markets in Nigeria, where titles are secure and transactions are seamless.”
The governor also emphasised partnership with professionals, saying: “We recognise estate surveyors and valuers as critical partners in our development journey, and we will continue to engage your expertise in shaping policies that drive sustainable growth.”
He further highlighted the administration’s commitment to expanding hospitality infrastructure, including the development of world-class hotels, serviced apartments, and conference facilities to support business tourism and investment inflows.
“As we open our doors wider to investors and visitors, we remain committed to creating an enabling environment, where comfort, quality, and excellence are guaranteed,” he added on behalf of the Governor.
Victor Alonge, the president and chairman of Council of NIESV, commended Governor Otti for his purposeful leadership, noting that his administration has significantly improved infrastructure, strengthened the state’s economy, and enhanced service delivery to citizens.
He described the conference as a premier platform for knowledge exchange and innovation in the real estate sector, underscoring its role in advancing professional standards and contributing to national economic development.
Uche Ikoro, chairman, Abia State Branch of NIESV, called on professionals in the real estate sector to embrace innovation, collaboration, and strategic planning to drive industry growth.
Ikoro noted that the gathering offers participants an opportunity to broaden their understanding of real estate development beyond conventional practices, such as road construction and building projects.
According to her, the conference theme, which focuses on development corridors, aims to expand the scope of real estate investment, by introducing diverse opportunities within the sector.
“There is a lot to take away from this conference. It is designed to enlighten members on the need to be innovative, to rethink strategies, and to explore areas that have not been fully utilised in the real estate industry,” she said.
She commended the quality of presentations delivered at the conference, describing the lectures as insightful and impactful.
She added that participants, would leave with valuable knowledge to enhance their professional practice.
On collaboration with the Abia State Government, Ikoro expressed appreciation to Governor Alex Otti for engaging professionals in key state projects.
She cited the airport development project, where estate surveyors and valuers were involved in valuation and enumeration processes, as a landmark achievement for the profession in the state.
“For the first time in the history of this institution in Abia State, professionals were fully carried along. Compensation was duly paid to landowners, and consultants involved in the process were also recognised,” she stated.
Ikoro reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to partnering with the state government, guided by its core values of honesty and devotion, to ensure the successful execution of development projects.
She urged colleagues and delegates to remain committed to ethical standards and professionalism.
“When you are honest, consistent, and devoted to your work, success is inevitable,” she emphasized.
Bankole Ositadinma Awuzie, a professor at the University of Johannesburg, South Africa, while delivering the keynote address, highlighted the role of development corridors as evolving systems that integrate mobility, accessibility, investment, and land value.
He noted that improved connectivity stimulates capital flow, creates new growth nodes, and reshapes residential, commercial, industrial, and mixed-use development patterns.
Chinenerem Iroy Orji, co-chairman of the Conference Planning Committee, in his contribution, described the NIESV annual conference, as a vital platform for promoting the profession and stimulating economic activities in host communities.
He stressed that estate surveyors and valuers are certified professionals responsible for property valuation, emphasizing that no asset can have credible worth without proper assessment and certification.
The conference featured high-level technical sessions and strategic discussions focused on innovation, infrastructure, and sustainable real estate development as catalysts for regional and national growth.