NIESV Seeks Bigger Role for Women in Nigeria’s Real Estate Industry

The National Women’s Wing of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) has called for increased recognition and involvement of women in Nigeria’s real estate industry. Speaking in Ikeja, Lagos State, Alhaja Ibironke Ogun, the National Coordinator of the Women’s Wing, highlighted the upcoming four-day retreat and investiture in Abeokuta, Ogun State, from November 26 to 29.

Ogun emphasized that the programme would foster professional growth, enhance visibility, and generate new opportunities for women in the real estate sector, themed ‘Women in Real Estate Practice: Challenges, Opportunities and Prospects’. She reported that the profession has seen significant progress in female participation, noting that when she entered the field, women comprised only a small minority.

Ogun, surrounded by Lagos State chapter executive members, pledged to ensure qualified female estate surveyors receive equal opportunities to manage projects, secure professional roles, and occupy strategic positions in government and private organizations. She stressed that the women’s wing would also boost the visibility of female-led firms and urged the public to verify the professional credentials of estate practitioners to safeguard against financial losses resulting from unqualified operators.

Ogun outlined the critical roles estate surveyors and valuers play, including property valuation, management, feasibility studies, and development advisory services. She also highlighted the potential of leveraging technologies like artificial intelligence to enhance professional practice without replacing human judgment. Additionally, Ogun proposed initiatives to attract more young people, particularly secondary school students, to the profession through career talks in schools, aiming to "catch them young."

The retreat will also cover professional lectures, networking, and cultural activities, culminating in an investiture ceremony featuring a keynote address by Mrs. Yinka, Managing Director of Orange Island.