NIEVS Abuja branch inaugurates new leadership, celebrates first female chairman

The Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) Abuja branch, will today inaugurate its new executive leadership, with the mission of further advancing the profession of estate surveying and valuation in Nigeria. 

Under the leadership of its newly elected chairman, ESV Folake Rashidat Udusiga, the first woman to hold the position, the branch seeks to improve its commitment to delivering professional services that span a wide range of areas within real estate and asset management.

The services offered by NIESV members are essential to Nigeria’s real estate and property sectors. Estate surveyors and valuers provide critical services in the valuation of land and buildings for various purposes, including sales, mortgages, taxation, insurance, and acquisition. Their expertise extends beyond just residential and commercial real estate, covering the valuation of a diverse array of assets such as plant and machinery, equipment, vehicles, oil and gas installations, and even aviation and marine infrastructure.

Also, the new leadership has set its sights on maintaining the highest standards of professionalism while continuing to adapt to the evolving needs of the institute. 

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One of the institution’s primary roles is facilitating compulsory acquisitions and compensation for public projects, a function critical in large-scale developments and government-driven infrastructure projects. 

With their comprehensive range of services, NIESV estate surveyors and valuers continue to play a vital role in Nigeria’s economic development, particularly in the areas of real estate, infrastructure, and asset management. The new leadership is expected to uphold these values and further enhance the profession’s reputation across the country.

ESV Folake Rashidat Udusiga, first female chairman of NIEVS

ESV Folake Rashidat Udusiga emerged as the institution’s first female chairman after 28 years of unwavering commitment and service. 

Her journey to this significant achievement exemplifies determination, perseverance, and dedication to the growth of the estate surveying profession.

In an interview with the new chairman, ESV Udusiga said her professional journey began as a student member of the NIESV. 

According to her, she worked her way up the ranks, consistently serving under various chairmen of the Abuja branch, gaining invaluable experience along the way. 

Reflecting on her years of service, she stated, “I’ve served with all of them, from the first chairman to the last, for over 28 years. I started as a probationer, and after some time, I became an associate of the institution.”

Recalling her experience of writing a critical analysis on the impact of land recertification in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) ESV Udisiga said the analysis was part of her assessment to become a certified associate of NIESV, a stepping stone that propelled her into the institution’s activities.

As a civil servant, Udisiga noted that she played a pivotal role in modernising land management in the FCT, noting that she was part of the team that helped introduce the Land Information System (LIS), which shifted the system from manual processes to computerised management, greatly reducing inefficiencies in the handling of Certificates of Occupancy (COO) and land records. 

Beyond her professional work, ESV Udusiga’s involvement with the NIESV spans numerous committees and leadership roles. She was instrumental in the establishment of the women’s wing of the institution, serving as its secretary and eventually becoming the treasurer of the Abuja branch. Her participation extended to welfare committees, probationary committees, and the Professional Practice Committee (PPC), where she helped uphold the ethical standards of the profession by participating in disciplinary hearings for erring members.

Her rise to leadership was not without challenges, particularly as a woman in a male-dominated profession. She admitted that her candidacy for the chairmanship was met with some resistance. 

The inauguration of the new leadership is being celebrated with a series of events, where the new leadership were at the national mosque for the Jumaat prayer yesterday. As a member of Living Faith Church, ESV Udusiga also plans a thanksgiving service at her church, where she serves as a deaconess. 

ESV Udusiga aims to bridge the gap between the private and public sectors, ensuring that civil servants are more engaged with the institution. “Many civil servants feel left out, but I want them to come out and participate. That’s how we make progress together,” she said.

New administration to combat real estate quackery

The new chairman of NIEVS in an interview outlined a series of initiatives to professionalise the real estate sector, tackle quackery, and spearhead community development efforts.

ESV Udisiga emphasised the critical need to combat unqualified individuals—often referred to as “quacks”—who infiltrate the profession and compromise service quality. 

She explained that only registered and trained professionals who have studied estate management at accredited institutions should be entrusted with real estate services, such as property valuation and land management. 

“We are the only ones legally allowed to perform valuation jobs,” she said. 

The new chairman’s administration has taken an advocacy-focused approach, launching campaigns to educate the public on the risks of dealing with unqualified practitioners. 

In addition to advocating for professional standards, the new leadership has a strong focus on community development. According to the chairman, they plan to provide functional traffic booths at key junctions in Abuja, such as Gaduwa Junction and Prince and Princess Junction, to offer shelter for traffic officers and pedestrians alike. 

The new administration also aims to inspire future generations by reaching out to students in secondary schools to encourage them to pursue careers in estate management. 

ESV Udisiga noted that her administration will see to the establishment of “Valuers Villa,” an estate dedicated to NIESV members. The chairman, along with her executive team, is exploring the possibility of securing land in Abuja to create an estate, fulfilling a long-held dream of many in the institution.

With plans to host the next NIESV national conference in Abuja and collaborate with other built-environment professionals, the new leadership is poised to deliver significant impact both within the profession and across the community during its tenure.

I chose the right profession – Vice Chairman

The Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) Abuja branch, ESV Chukwebuka Anih, said this is a pivotal moment for the institution, emphasising the importance of showcasing the profession and its leadership to the public.

ESV Anih, a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience, expressed his commitment to the profession of estate survey and valuation, underscoring his pride in the path he chose. 

“I didn’t make a wrong decision to be an estate surveyor, and if there is another life to come, I will still choose to be an estate surveyor,” he said.

 He also noted that beyond financial gain, his work brings him “inner peace” and personal satisfaction, highlighting the emotional fulfillment he derives from his profession.

“This inauguration is all about showcasing the profession and presenting the new leadership,” Anih explained. 

He stressed the symbolic importance of the event, as it marks the transition of leadership, with the chairman leading the way as the first female chairperson of the branch. 

“This is the first time the branch is being led by a woman, and she has made history by breaking new ground,” ESV Anih said. He added that the notion of leadership in the institution transcends gender.  

The vice chairman expressed his excitement for the future, as the new executive embarks on a tenure aimed at advocating increased public awareness, and setting higher standards in the industry. He reiterated that the new leadership team is fully equipped to drive progress for the NIESV Abuja branch.