ABIA HOSTS 56TH NIESV CONFERENCE, SEEKS STRONGER PARTNERSHIPS TO DRIVE REAL ESTATE-LED ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION

The Executive Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to repositioning the real estate sector as a key driver of economic growth, as the state hosted the 56th Annual Conference of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) in Umuahia.

Welcoming participants to the conference, the Deputy Governor, His Excellency, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, FNSE, who represented the Governor, 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 President and Chairman of Council of NIESV, ESV Victor A. Alonge, and his leadership team for choosing Abia as host of the prestigious gathering, noting that the decision underscores the state’s ongoing transformation efforts.

Reaffirming the Governor’s vision, Engr. Emetu conveyed that the administration of Dr. Alex Otti is deliberately pursuing reforms aimed at strengthening land governance, digitizing 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the systems that support land administration and property ownership because a modern economy cannot thrive on outdated processes,” the Governor stated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 emphasized partnership with professionals, saying: “We recognize 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.”

Engr. Emetu 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.

In his address, the President and Chairman of Council of NIESV, ESV Victor A. Alonge, 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.

Also speaking, the Chairman of NIESV, Abia State Branch, ESV Uche Ikoro, said the conference seeks to challenge professionals to rethink approaches to real estate planning, valuation, and development in line with evolving economic realities and expanding infrastructure.

She commended the Abia State Government for its support and for actively engaging estate surveyors in key initiatives, particularly in land valuation and compensation processes tied to infrastructure projects.

Delivering the keynote address, Professor Bankole Ositadinma Awuzie of the University of Johannesburg, South Africa, 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.

In his contribution, the Co-Chairman of the Conference Planning Committee, ESV Chinenerem Iroy Orji, 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.

Top government functionaries, including the Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Mr. Chaka Chukwumerije, members of the NIESV Council, industry stakeholders, and development partners, were present at the event.

Sir Cyril Chukwudi Eke Mba
Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor of Abia State
April 16, 2026.