Otti Canvasses Reforms, Investment as Abia Hosts Estate Surveyors’ Conference.

Otti Canvasses Reforms, Investment as Abia Hosts Estate Surveyors’ Conference.

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to reforming land governance and boosting real estate investment.

Declaring open the 56th Annual Conference of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) held at the International Conference Centre Umuahia, the governor, represented by his deputy, Ikechukwu Emetu, described the real estate sector as a critical driver of economic transformation.

He stressed that the government is implementing policies to reposition the state as a preferred destination for investors.

The conference, themed “Corridors, Connectivity and Capital: Rethinking Real Estate Development Along Renewed Hope Infrastructure Investments,” attracted professionals and stakeholders from across the country.

Otti commended the NIESV leadership, led by its President, Victor Alonge, for choosing Abia as host, noting that the decision reflects growing confidence in the state’s development trajectory.

“We have made a firm commitment to rebuild, transform and modernize our economy,” he said, adding that reforms are underway to digitize land records, streamline title registration, and strengthen legal frameworks protecting property rights.

According to him, the initiatives are aimed at eliminating bureaucratic bottlenecks, enhancing transparency, and boosting investor confidence in the property market.

He emphasized that collaboration with professional bodies like NIESV remains essential to achieving sustainable growth, particularly in policy formulation, valuation standardization, and capacity building.

The governor also highlighted efforts to expand hospitality infrastructure, noting that the state is encouraging investment in hotels, serviced apartments, and conference facilities to support increased business and tourism activities.

Earlier, NIESV President, ESV Victor Alonge, described the conference as a premier platform for knowledge exchange and innovation in the real estate sector, noting its role in advancing professional standards and contributing to national economic development.

He commended the Abia State Government for its support and inclusive approach, particularly in engaging estate surveyors in major projects

Also speaking, Chairman of the NIESV Abia State Branch, ESV Uche Ikoro, said the conference would broaden participants’ perspectives on real estate development beyond conventional construction projects.

She noted that the theme encourages professionals to embrace innovation, strategic planning, and collaboration to unlock new opportunities within the industry.

Ikoro further praised the state government for involving estate surveyors in key initiatives, including land valuation and compensation processes tied to infrastructure projects, describing it as a significant milestone for the profession in the state.

In his contribution, the Co-Chairman of the Conference Planning Committee of NIESV, Chinenerem Iroy Orji, described the institute’s annual conference as a vital platform for promoting the profession and stimulating economic activities in host communities.

Dr. Orji clarified that estate surveyors and valuers are not merely land agents but certified professionals solely responsible for property valuation, stressing that no asset can have a credible worth without proper assessment and certification.

The event featured a keynote presentation by Bankole Awuzie, who spoke on infrastructure, land value, and corridor-based urban development as catalysts for regional growth.