The Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) has stressed that reliable, timely, and accurate housing data is critical to addressing Nigeria’s housing challenges, urging policymakers to adopt data-driven decision-making to improve housing delivery, land administration, and urban planning. The institution said credible information remains the foundation for effective housing policies and sustainable real estate development.
Speaking on the need for stronger data systems, NIESV President Bature Muhammad noted that estate surveyors and valuers play a central role in generating property market data that supports investment decisions, property valuation, infrastructure planning, and government policy formulation. He said dependable housing data is essential for tackling the country’s housing deficit and improving transparency in the real estate sector.
Muhammad explained that the absence of comprehensive and up-to-date housing data has contributed to poor planning, inefficient allocation of resources, and weak policy implementation. He called for stronger collaboration between government agencies, professional bodies, and private sector stakeholders to establish an integrated national housing data system capable of supporting long-term planning and investment.
The NIESV president also advocated greater use of digital technologies, including Geographic Information Systems (GIS), property databases, and digital land administration platforms, to improve the accuracy and accessibility of housing information across the country. According to him, modern data management tools would strengthen property registration, market analysis, and investment confidence while reducing inefficiencies in the sector.
Industry stakeholders observed that reliable housing data would enable governments to better understand housing demand, monitor market trends, identify infrastructure gaps, and design targeted affordable housing programmes. They added that improved data collection would also enhance mortgage financing, property taxation, and urban development planning.
The institution maintained that strengthening Nigeria’s housing information system is essential for creating a more transparent, efficient, and sustainable real estate market capable of supporting economic growth and improving access to decent housing for millions of Nigerians.
