The International Real Estate Federation (FIABCI), Nigeria Chapter, has called for stronger commitment to global best practices in Nigeria’s real estate sector to attract international investment, deepen transparency and improve the sector’s contribution to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
The immediate past President of FIABCI-Nigeria, Mr Akin Opatola, made the call at the association’s annual general meeting and induction of 16 new members into the chapter in Lagos.
Opatola said adherence to global best practices remained a key priority of the association, which he noted had consistently engaged government officials and industry stakeholders on ways to improve the local real estate market and professional practice.
A major highlight of the event was the election of new executives to lead the Nigerian chapter for the next two years, with Mr Ayodeji Odeleye emerging as the new President.
Odeleye said Nigeria’s recent hosting of the FIABCI World Congress demonstrated that local professionals could operate at the highest international level, while also showing that Africa could provide a platform for the global real estate community.
He said the new leadership would focus on converting FIABCI’s global network into opportunities for members, while transforming international relationships into business, knowledge-sharing and investment opportunities.
He added that the leadership would work to make the Nigerian real estate profession more visible within the global FIABCI community. “According to him, when the world thinks about the future of African real estate, Nigeria should be part of the conversation, not merely as an observer, but as a contributor and a leader.”
Odeleye said Nigeria’s credibility and strength in the global real estate market were closely linked to the professionalism, discipline and standards promoted by FIABCI.
He said the new leadership would deepen relationships and work with stakeholders on initiatives aimed at advancing the profession and strengthening the real estate sector.
He also commended past leaders of the association for investing in the organisation and encouraging younger members to become active participants and future leaders of FIABCI-Nigeria.
Odeleye pledged that the new executive would pursue institutional transformation, strengthen the chapter’s structures and build an institution capable of outliving individual members. He said the administration would be guided by transparency, integrity, accountability and consultation.
The new president also promised to strengthen membership engagement through regular forums, responsive communication and professional education, while collaborating with other FIABCI chapters, institutions and stakeholders on value-driven programmes.
“Nigeria’s real estate sector faces complex challenges. The profession needs a credible voice. FIABCI Nigeria must contribute intelligently to conversations affecting real estate, investment, the cities, housing and built environments.
“We will hold ourselves to the same standards of transparency, accountability and professionalism. Our priorities will focus on a strong foundation, stronger national presence, a financially stronger FIABCI in Nigeria, and a befitting secretariat,” he said.
Addressing the gathering, the President of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV), Mr Muhammad Bature, said the institution could attest to FIABCI-Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening the capacity and competencies of its members in global real estate practice.
Bature assured the chapter of NIESV’s willingness to deepen collaboration with FIABCI in knowledge-sharing, capacity building, partnerships and other professional development initiatives.
He urged members to generate innovative ideas to address emerging challenges in the sector and keep pace with the growing demand for knowledge and competencies in the digital era, where technological changes and new innovations are rapidly transforming professional practice.
The gathering brought together past leaders and members of the association, including Principal Partner, Bode Adedeji Partnership, Mr Bode Adedeji; Chief Kola Akomolede; Joseph Akhigbe; Gladstone Opatola; Adele Adeniji; Gbenga Ismail; Richard Okafor; and Mr Frank Okosun of Knight Frank Nigeria.
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