The Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) has successfully concluded its 55th Annual Conference and Annual General Meeting, which took place from May 5 to 10, 2025, at the prestigious Abuja Continental Hotel. Under the theme “Transform, Invest, Thrive: Optimizing Real Estate Finance and Taxation,” the conference brought together key industry players, government officials, and real estate professionals to address pressing challenges and opportunities in Nigeria’s property sector.
High-Profile Attendance Underscores Importance
The conference featured several distinguished guests, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the Special Guest of Honor, who was conferred with the honor of Grand Patron of the Institution. Other notable attendees included Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abass, and the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr. Zaccheaus Adedeji, who served as the Guest Speaker.
Dr. Victor Adekunle Alonge, President and Chairman of Council of NIESV, emphasized that the conference theme reflected a strategic push to position real estate as a driver of economic growth and social transformation in Nigeria. “Our focus is on addressing fragmented taxation, limited access to real estate financing, and the urgent need for institutional reform,” he explained during his opening remarks.
Key Insights and Policy Recommendations
Land Use Act Reform
One of the most significant discussions at the conference centered on the Land Use Act of 1978. NIESV President Dr. Alonge called for a comprehensive review of this legislation, which many stakeholders believe has become outdated and restrictive. “The masses struggle to access land. The Act should be reviewed, and the land administration system revisited,” he stated during a news conference at the event. This echoes concerns previously highlighted in our analysis on land administration challenges in Nigeria.
Real estate experts at the conference argued that reforming the Land Use Act would expand land access beyond wealthy developers and create opportunities for more Nigerians to participate in property ownership. This would, in turn, stimulate development across various segments of the real estate market in Abuja and beyond.
Comprehensive National Housing Policy
Another critical point raised during the conference was the need for a holistic National Housing Policy, rather than the ad hoc approaches adopted by successive governments. NIESV leaders cautioned against some proposed measures, such as confiscating unoccupied properties, suggesting that such approaches could infringe on property rights and prove counterproductive.
Instead, they advocated for policy frameworks that would incentivize property development and ownership while addressing urban housing deficits. This perspective aligns with the current administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda for the housing sector, which aims to increase affordable housing access for all Nigerians. Recent progress on this front can be seen in the National Housing Programme extensions announced earlier this year.
Tax Reforms and Property Valuation
Dr. Alonge expressed optimism about the recently proposed tax reform bill, noting that it is structured to shift the tax burden from the poor to the wealthy, encourage transparency, and boost compliance. “Rent incomes, for instance, may soon be exempt from certain duties. This will encourage real estate investment,” he explained.
The conference highlighted the crucial role of proper valuation in taxation, emphasizing that accurate property assessment is fundamental to fair taxation and sustainable revenue generation. Estate surveyors and valuers were positioned as the professionals uniquely qualified to determine the true worth and value of assets for taxation purposes.
Implications for Abuja’s Real Estate Market
Streamlined Land Administration
Recent reforms in land administration, particularly the expedited issuance of Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-O) in Abuja, were widely discussed at the conference. With FCT Minister Nyesom Wike having signed over 5,000 Certificates of Occupancy in 2025 alone—compared to just 8,400 in the previous 13 years—investors can now proceed with greater confidence, knowing that properties have been cleared through proper channels. This significant development, covered extensively in our previous reporting, represents a major breakthrough in addressing one of the most persistent challenges in Abuja’s property market.
This development represents a significant boost for Abuja’s real estate sector, especially for companies like A.I Realent Global Resources Ltd, which specializes in both luxury residential and commercial properties in prime Abuja locations. The faster access to legitimate land titles is expected to stimulate investment and development activities across the capital city.
Investment Opportunities in Emerging Districts
The conference featured special sessions focused on emerging investment opportunities in Abuja’s developing districts. Areas like Kyami, which lies opposite the ambitious Centenary City project, were highlighted as hotspots for investors seeking high returns.
According to market analysts present at the conference, these emerging districts offer a combination of affordability, rapid development potential, and proximity to key infrastructure projects, making them attractive for both developers and individual investors looking to enter Abuja’s real estate market. Other notable areas discussed included Kuje and certain parts of Lugbe, where property values are expected to appreciate significantly over the next five years.
Technology Integration in Real Estate
Another significant focus area was the integration of technology in real estate practice. Presentations showcased how cutting-edge technologies, including artificial intelligence and smart home features, are transforming property development and management in Abuja.
Companies like Cosgrove Investment Limited were cited as pioneers in this space, developing smart estates that leverage advanced technology with modern architectural designs. This trend is expected to continue reshaping Abuja’s real estate landscape, particularly in high-end residential and commercial developments. Industry experts at the conference also referenced the growing role of online platforms in facilitating real estate transactions, which has become increasingly important for both local and international investors.
Expert Recommendations for Investors
Financial experts at the conference offered valuable insights for potential investors in Abuja’s real estate market:
- Diversify Investment Portfolios: Consider a mix of residential and commercial properties across different districts to spread risk and maximize returns. Our market analysis of Guzape District shows how diversification strategies can be applied effectively.
- Focus on Emerging Areas: Look beyond traditional premium locations to emerging districts with strong growth potential, such as Kyami, Kuje, and parts of Lugbe.
- Embrace Technology: Invest in properties with smart features and sustainable design elements, which typically command premium prices and attract quality tenants. Companies like Bilaad Realty are setting standards in this area.
- Navigate Regulatory Changes: Stay informed about ongoing policy reforms, particularly those related to taxation and land administration, to position investments advantageously. The recent developments with Certificates of Occupancy offer a prime example.
- Partner with Established Professionals: Work with reputable real estate firms like A.I Realent Global Resources Ltd, which have deep market knowledge and established networks.
A.I Realent’s Perspective
As a leading real estate company in Abuja, A.I Realent Global Resources Ltd views the outcomes of the NIESV conference as positive developments for the capital’s property market. The company’s CEO commented, “The discussions and policy directions emerging from this year’s NIESV conference align perfectly with our vision of making property investment more accessible and transparent.”
A.I Realent, known for its integration of innovative technology with personalized service, stands ready to help clients navigate Abuja’s evolving real estate landscape. With the company’s deep knowledge of neighborhoods—from luxurious estates in Jahi, Katampe Extension, Maitama, and Asokoro to emerging family-friendly communities in Gwarinpa and Karsana—investors can make informed decisions aligned with the latest market trends.
Looking Ahead
The 55th NIESV Annual Conference has set the stage for significant transformations in Nigeria’s real estate sector, with particular implications for Abuja’s property market. As policy reforms take shape and new investment opportunities emerge, stakeholders remain optimistic about the market’s growth potential.
For investors, developers, and property owners in Abuja, staying connected with professional organizations like NIESV and working with established real estate companies like A.I Realent will be crucial to navigating the evolving landscape successfully.
For more information on investment opportunities in Abuja’s real estate market, visit airealent.ng or contact our team of experts at info@airealent.ng.
