The Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) has elected Muhammad Bature as its 27th President and Chairman of Council at the just-concluded 56th Annual General Meeting held in Abia State.
In his acceptance speech, Bature commended the immediate past administration for elevating the institution’s profile. He assured members that his leadership would sustain the momentum through deliberate public engagement and enhanced media visibility.
“NIESV will become more visible in national conversations on land administration, housing delivery, infrastructure development, valuation standards, economic planning, and development,” he said. “Our expert voice shall be heard consistently and credibly. We shall foster a culture of innovation and sustain strategic partnerships with government agencies, regulators, the organised private sector, and other stakeholders.”
Bature unveiled a seven-point action plan titled “Agenda for a Future-Ready NIESV,” describing it as a roadmap for transformation, impact, and sustainable growth. He said the plan would prioritise capacity development among members to enhance performance and service delivery, while raising professional standards through continuous, content-rich training and knowledge acquisition.
He emphasised the need for digital transformation, noting that the institution would adopt modern tools for valuation, property and facility management, data analytics, and client services. According to him, digital platforms for communication, learning, and service delivery would be strengthened, with innovation becoming central to the institution’s identity.
Bature also stressed that trust remains the profession’s greatest asset, pledging to reinforce ethical standards, promote transparency, and strengthen disciplinary processes. He said his administration would uphold fairness, accountability, and the rule of law, insisting that ethical practice would remain non-negotiable in protecting the integrity of the profession and building public confidence.
On membership growth, he noted that the institution’s influence on legislation, government policies, and professional interests depends largely on its size and strength. He said recruitment into professional membership would be prioritised without compromising standards, while more opportunities would be created for young professionals through mentorship and improved welfare support.
He also announced plans to establish a Presidential Advisory Committee comprising members across all levels to enhance participation and provide feedback from credible sources, including social media.
Bature further pledged to strengthen collaboration with allied professional bodies to promote knowledge sharing, clarify professional boundaries, and curb quackery. He said the institution would deepen partnerships with government, private sector leaders, international organisations, academia, and the media to reinforce its authority in real estate, valuation, land economy, facility management, and advisory services.
Highlighting the importance of sustainability and global positioning, he said the institution would champion sustainable real estate practices and align with global standards. Participation in international conferences, certifications, and partnerships would also be enhanced to ensure NIESV remains globally competitive.
The new president also promised to restructure the secretariat for greater efficiency, accountability, and service excellence. He said it would be transformed into a responsive, member-focused administrative hub, supported by technology to improve membership services, records management, communication, training delivery, and financial transparency.
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