Estate surveyors and valuers have been urged to prepare their firms for leadership changes by adopting clear systems, using technology and planning for succession.
Experts gave the advice at the Heads of Practice Assembly organised by the Lagos State Branch of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV).
The event focused on the growing need for better leadership and stronger business structures in the real estate profession.
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Experts Warn Against Founder-Driven Firms
Founder and Chief Consultant of BAA Consult, Prof. Biodun Adedipe, delivered the keynote address at the event.
Adedipe said many professional firms depend too much on their founders. He warned that such firms could face problems when their founders retire or leave the business.
He therefore urged practitioners to build firms that can operate without their direct control.
According to him, firms should document their policies and work processes. They should also ensure that important knowledge does not remain with only one person.
Adedipe said a strong firm must have clear systems for serving clients. These systems should define what the firm offers and how it delivers its services.
He also urged founders to develop businesses that can become stronger without them. This, he said, requires good planning, partnerships and strong areas of professional expertise.
Technology Must Support Real Estate Practice
The need for better systems is becoming more important as technology changes the real estate industry.
Digital tools can help firms manage records, improve communication and protect important business information. They can also help professionals work faster and provide more consistent services to clients.
Chairman of the Lagos State Branch of NIESV, Tosin Kadiri, said the real estate sector was facing major changes.
He identified economic pressure, new regulations and digital disruption as some of the issues affecting practitioners.
Kadiri said today’s leaders must respond to these changes with better management. He also called for greater transparency and strong ethical standards.
Furthermore, he said the assembly would help practitioners improve their skills in strategic planning, business growth, talent development, succession planning and risk management.
NIESV Calls for Succession Planning
Vice Chairman of the Lagos State Branch, Ayodeji Odeleye, said the profession had reached an important stage.
He called for faster adoption of digital tools and better succession plans. He also stressed the need for structured mentoring for younger professionals.
According to Odeleye, firms should also expand into new areas of practice. This can help them reduce business risks and respond to changes in the property market.
He also urged practitioners to include Environmental, Social and Governance principles in valuation and advisory services.
In addition, Odeleye called for stronger links between estate valuers and government agencies, universities, financial institutions and technology companies.
He said ethical practice must remain central to the profession. In his view, firms must become more innovative, knowledge-driven and competitive.
Stronger Institutions Could Support the Property Sector
The issue of succession goes beyond individual valuation firms. Estate surveyors and valuers play important roles in Nigeria’s property market.
Their work supports property transactions, valuation, investment decisions and real estate advisory services. Therefore, firms need strong systems that can maintain professional standards over time.
Other professionals at the event also backed the call for better leadership.
Principal Partner of Dayo Okeniyi Consulting, Dayo Okeniyi; Principal of V.O. Enwenezie & Co, Vivian Enwenezie; and Group Head, Human Resources and Corporate Services at HIG Africa, Juliet Kekporo, took part in a panel discussion.
Managing Partner of Samson Agbato Consulting, Emmanuel Ebede, moderated the session.
The programme also attracted the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Lands Bureau, Kamal Olowosago.
Focus on the Future of Real Estate
Chairman of the occasion and Founder of RCO Properties, Richard Okafor, praised the Lagos branch for supporting professional development.
NIESV Second Vice President, Olushola Abeji, also reaffirmed the national body’s commitment to capacity development.
Meanwhile, Managing Partner of Chris Davidson Advisory Ltd, Babatunde Bamgboye, encouraged practitioners to adopt new approaches to leadership.
He urged them to improve their ability to manage workplace challenges, influence others positively and increase productivity.
Overall, the discussions highlighted the need for stronger institutions within Nigeria’s real estate profession.
As experienced practitioners prepare to hand over leadership to a new generation, succession planning will become increasingly important. Firms that document their processes, develop younger professionals and use technology can improve their ability to remain stable and effective over time.
