NIESV champions real estate growth through infrastructure-led Devt

…Urges Govt. to Stop competing with Private Sector
April 14, 2026
By Emmanuel Elebeke

The Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) has unveiled a bold vision to transform Nigeria’s real estate sector by harnessing the power of strategic infrastructure investments.
Speaking at a press conference during the Institute’s 56th Annual Conference and Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the Ochendu International Conference Centre, Umuahia, President and Chairman of Council, Chief Dr. Victor Adekunle Alonge, emphasized the role of roads, rails, and ports in driving sustainable economic growth.
“This year’s conference theme ‘Corridors, Connectivity, and Capital: Rethinking Real Estate Development Along Renewed Hope Infrastructure Investments’, is not just a slogan; it is a roadmap for national transformation,” Dr. Alonge said.
“Real estate is a key catalyst of growth. Strategic infrastructure creates corridors where development can thrive, attracts foreign investment, generates employment, and drives wealth creation,”
he added.
The conference, which started on Monday, April 13, and runs through Saturday, April 18, brings together top government officials, captains of industry, stakeholders, and real estate experts from across Nigeria and the globe. Among those expected to attend is the Executive Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, alongside policymakers, regulators, and academia.
Dr. Alonge highlighted several ongoing infrastructure initiatives as game changers for real estate development.
He said Projects such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Sokoto-Badagry Highway are expected to unlock vast opportunities for real estate growth along their corridors.
“Infrastructure opens up regions that were previously inaccessible,” he stated. “Real estate follows where connectivity improves. The ongoing construction of the Abia State Airport is another bold step that will boost investment and transform local economies.”
The NIESV president, while fielding questions from newsmen, further addressed long-standing challenges in the industry, including insecurity, quackery, and public perception issues.
“These challenges are real, and they threaten both the profession and the economy.
“But by investing in infrastructure and enforcing professional standards, we can reduce insecurity, curb unprofessional practices, and restore public trust. Our members are highly trained and ready to partner with government to implement these solutions,” he said.
On regulatory matters, Dr. Alonge criticized the weak implementation of the Land Use Act, citing arbitrary government actions that undermine land access, title security, and housing delivery.
“While the law exists, enforcement is poor. Less than 10% of states properly constitute their Land Use and Allocation Committees. Arbitrary revocation of rights of occupancy discourages investors and stifles housing development. Government should enable private sector participation in housing rather than compete with it,” he explained.
The conference program is designed to stimulate innovation and highlight sustainable approaches to real estate development, benchmarking Nigeria’s practices against global standards. Experts at the conference will explore opportunities to modernize the industry, expand professional roles, and identify areas where government has yet to tap into the expertise of estate surveyors and valuers.
At the end of the week-long event, the NIESV will release a Communiqué detailing actionable recommendations and resolutions for policymakers to guide the alignment of national policies with best practices in real estate development.
“Our goal is to ensure that real estate is a driver of economic growth,” Dr. Alonge said.
“We are committed to partnering with government and key stakeholders to enhance Nigeria’s infrastructure, improve housing accessibility, and create an environment conducive to investment. We urge the press to continue providing robust coverage to amplify our message and support national development.”
The 56th Annual Conference represents a pivotal moment for Nigeria’s real estate sector, offering a comprehensive framework for rethinking investment, harnessing infrastructure-led growth, and fostering sustainable development across the country.

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