Real estate professionals have called for stronger ethical standards, innovation, and collaboration to rebuild public trust and align Nigeria’s property market with global best practices.

Speaking at the 7th Summit of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV), Lagos Branch, industry leaders stressed that professionalism must go hand in hand with integrity and innovation to drive growth in the sector.

The two-day event, themed “Building Trust and Driving Excellence in Real Estate Practice: Global Standards, Local Realities,” brought together key stakeholders to discuss challenges and opportunities in Nigeria’s evolving real estate landscape.

Former NIESV president and chairman of the occasion, Emeka Eleh, noted that while bureaucratic bottlenecks and weak regulatory enforcement remain challenges, practitioners must uphold ethical values. “Clients expect us to honour our promises and commitments regardless of delays or red tape,” he said.

Lagos Branch Chairman, Tosin Kadiri, urged professionals to balance international best practices with Nigeria’s unique economic and institutional realities.

Delivering the keynote, Odunayo Ojo, CEO of UPDC, said the industry must evolve beyond traditional roles like valuation and property management. “Technology, private equity, sustainability, and data are reshaping global real estate. We either innovate or become obsolete,” he warned.

Ojo also called for continuous education, stronger ethics, and collaboration among professionals. “No one can do everything. Collaboration helps balance strengths and achieve better outcomes,” he added.

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The University of Lagos (UNILAG) has partnered with OpenAI, the creators of ChatGPT, to launch Africa’s first OpenAI Academy, a major step in equipping students, researchers, and innovators with real-world artificial intelligence (AI) skills designed for African contexts.

Announced during the university’s 5th International Week themed “Equitable Partnerships and the Future of AI in Africa”, the partnership highlights UNILAG’s growing role in technology and innovation on the continent.

Speaking at the opening, UNILAG Vice-Chancellor Prof. Folasade Ogunsola said AI presents Africa with an opportunity to “leapfrog systemic challenges” and deliver context-specific solutions.

“This isn’t just about learning technology, it’s about shaping it to serve our people,” she said.

OpenAI’s Africa Lead, Emmanuel Lubanzadio, said the academy will train students, educators, and entrepreneurs in AI tools, including ChatGPT, focusing on sectors like education, governance, and creative industries.

“UNILAG is a model for how AI can be localized. This academy will empower students and serve as a blueprint for Africa,” he noted.

The event also featured Bank of America’s Head of Sub-Saharan Africa, Yvonne Ike, who urged African institutions to move faster in preparing youth for a world increasingly driven by AI.

“Africa must lead and define its digital future not wait for others to do so,” she said.

A panel session titled “AI and the Future of African Cities” explored how AI can solve urban and governance challenges. Speakers included experts from the University of Manchester, Future Africa, and UNILAG student innovators.

UNILAG’s international strategy, according to Deputy Vice-Chancellor Prof. Foluso Lesi, focuses on co-creating solutions that work locally and scale globally.

The university has secured over $28 million in international research funding and continues to form partnerships grounded in equity, mutual value, and innovation.

The academy, hosted at UNILAG’s Innovation and Technology Management Office, is set to deliver hands-on AI training through workshops and labs throughout the week. It will focus on applying AI in education, journalism, public service, and the creative economy.

Representatives from Nigeria’s Ministries of Education and Communications, as well as Lagos State Government, commended UNILAG for positioning itself as a leader in Africa’s digital transformation.

“When young Africans are given tools like AI, they don’t just follow trends — they lead change,” said Dr. Olayinka Adewumi, the academy’s coordinator.

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The Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB), FCT Chapter, has called for increased adoption of gas reticulation systems in buildings as a sustainable energy solution in Nigeria’s built environment.

This position was emphasized during its 2025 Builders Conference and Annual General Meeting held in Abuja, with the theme: “Gas Reticulation in Buildings: Design, Safety/Environmental Compliance, and Prospects for Builders.”

The event focused on promoting gas as an efficient, safe, and environmentally friendly energy source for the nation’s construction sector.

In his welcome address, NIOB FCT Chapter Chairman, Bldr. Usman Abdulmumin, described the theme as a continuation of last year’s discourse on energy transition in the construction industry. He noted that gas, which Nigeria possesses in abundance, offers a viable and sustainable alternative to traditional energy sources.

He emphasized that incorporating gas systems into residential, commercial, and industrial projects requires strict adherence to safety standards, design protocols, and environmental compliance, responsibilities entrusted to professionals and regulators within the built environment.

Chairman of the Nigerian Gas Expansion Programme, Prof. Mohammed Ibrahim, in his keynote address, stated that the initiative is aggressively pushing for gas reticulation in estates, districts, and industrial areas to spur economic growth, reduce carbon emissions, and improve quality of life.

Chairman, Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria (CORBON), Bldr. Dr. Samson Opaluwah, commended the timeliness of the conference, aligning it with current efforts to foster collaboration and innovation within the sector.

Also speaking at the event, Prof. Ikechukwu Okafor, an Associate Professor in the Department of Petroleum Resources at Nile University, presented a paper titled “Best Practices in Gas Reticulation System Design for Optimal Efficiency and Safety.” He stated that gas reticulation provides a more efficient and reliable energy source that can drive growth in manufacturing and industrial processes.

He emphasized the importance of adequate training, certification, and compliance with regulatory agencies such as the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA). He also noted that leveraging technology can enhance leak detection and prevent disasters.

Registrar of CORBON, Bldr. Adetunji Adeniran, in his presentation titled “Case Studies: Successful Gas Reticulation Projects, Lessons Learned and Prospects for Builders,” stressed that builders do not all have to focus on the same types of projects.

He observed that the conversation around gas reticulation has slowed down due to a lack of skill and recommended training for all professionals in the built environment. He also called for increased collaboration among stakeholders.

Ubong Usoro

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