NIESV 56th Annual Conference to Chart New Course for Estate Surveying and Valuation
The Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) is currently hosting its 56th annual conference and 2026 general meeting, a pivotal event designed to establish the strategic direction for the estate surveying and valuation industry in the coming years. This significant gathering, which spans five days from April 13 to 18, 2026, is being held at the Ochendo International Conference Center in Umuahia, the capital of Abia State.
Forum for Global Collaboration and Economic Strategy
The conference serves as a crucial platform for NIESV members from around the world, alongside key stakeholders in the real estate sector. This includes government officials, policy makers, industry operators, regulators, and academic representatives. Together, they are engaging in intensive brainstorming sessions on issues of national importance, focusing on the role of real estate in driving sustainable economic growth and national development.
Participants are sharing insights and innovative ideas on how to leverage the power of real estate to bolster Nigeria's economy. The discussions aim to enhance the sector's relevance and effectiveness in contributing to the country's developmental goals.
Theme: Corridors, Connectivity, and Capital
The conference theme, "Corridors, Connectivity, and Capital: Rethinking Real Estate Development Along Renewed Hope Infrastructure Investments," underscores a strategic shift towards infrastructure-driven real estate development. NIESV President and Chairman, Chief Dr. Victor Adekunle Alonge, emphasized during a pre-conference press briefing that this theme is a call to action.
He explained that the focus is on utilizing corridor-based infrastructure—such as roads, highways, railways, and ports—to stimulate real estate development. This approach is expected to create wealth, attract foreign investments, and generate employment opportunities. By improving connectivity and efficiently linking people, goods, and services, the strategy aims to reduce risks, foster an economy-friendly environment, and enhance capital flow and investment opportunities.
"This conference is our moment to imagine and lay the groundwork for long-term economic stability, growth, and benchmarking in real estate," stated Dr. Alonge. He added that this innovative approach is designed to catalyze real estate development and re-engineer Nigeria's economy towards sustainable development, moving beyond traditional trajectories to explore transformative opportunities for the industry.
Governor Otti's Commitment to Partnership
Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, welcomed NIESV members during their visit to the Government House in Umuahia, led by President Dr. Victor Alonge. Governor Otti expressed his administration's readiness to collaborate with NIESV and other institutions that share a vision for developing Abia State.
"We consider ourselves partners to institutions and people who have the same vision and who share our aspiration for a better Abia State and our people," said Governor Otti. He highlighted the existing close working relationship with NIESV members in the state and pledged to intensify these efforts, noting that various real estate initiatives would benefit from their professional involvement.
Governor Otti thanked NIESV for choosing Abia State as the host for its annual conference for the first time, assuring full support from the state government. He reiterated his commitment to establishing a 5-star hotel in Umuahia to accommodate visitors and tourists, wishing the conference participants fruitful deliberations and success.
NIESV's Appreciation and Professional Contributions
In response, NIESV President Dr. Victor Alonge acknowledged Abia State's significant contributions to the institution's development and expressed gratitude for Governor Otti's logistical support and the positive working relationship between NIESV members and the state government. He noted that hosting the conference in Abia during Governor Otti's tenure is a moment of pride.
Dr. Alonge commended the governor's transformation drives and sound policies, which have opened up the state to both local and foreign investments, thereby strengthening its economy. He affirmed that NIESV members have actively impacted the state through policy formulation, land administration, asset management, housing, and project development.
"We will continue to offer the state our professional services in line with best global practices and our documented code of professional ethics," Dr. Alonge assured. He also mentioned that a communiqué summarizing the conference outcomes, including presentations by various notable professionals, will be prepared and released to the public after the event.
This conference marks a strategic milestone in aligning real estate development with national infrastructure goals, fostering partnerships, and setting a new benchmark for the industry's future in Nigeria.
