Stakeholders in Nigeria’s real estate and infrastructure sectors have called for a shift from isolated projects to integrated, corridor-led development, as Abia State hosted the 56th Annual Conference of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) in Umuahia.

Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Bankole Awuzie urged policymakers to reposition infrastructure as a driver of economic transformation rather than treating projects as stand-alone interventions. Speaking on the theme, “Corridor Connectivity and Capital: Rethinking Real Estate Development Along Renewed Hope Infrastructure Investment,” he described infrastructure as a “spatial package” capable of generating wealth, creating new cities, and linking regional economies.

“The real opportunity in infrastructure is not just the road or rail itself, but the development that grows around it. That is where wealth is created,” he said.

Awuzie criticised Nigeria’s historical infrastructure model, noting that it was largely shaped by colonial-era priorities focused on resource extraction rather than inclusive development. He said current efforts should prioritise the creation of hubs, clusters and new urban centres.

He identified major projects such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway as opportunities to reposition infrastructure as investment corridors that can attract capital and drive land value growth. He added that clear government commitment and coordinated planning would help transform speculative land markets into viable investments.

The professor, however, cautioned that without strong governance, corridor development could lead to land speculation, displacement and uneven distribution of benefits. He stressed the importance of fair compensation and inclusive value-sharing mechanisms, especially for rural communities.

In his welcome address, Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, represented by his deputy, Ikechukwu Emetu, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to real estate reforms and investor-friendly policies. He described hosting the conference as recognition of Abia’s growing investment profile.

He highlighted ongoing reforms, including the digitisation of land records, improved land titling processes and strengthened legal frameworks aimed at protecting property rights and boosting investor confidence.

Earlier, NIESV President, Victor Adegoke Alonge, said the conference comes at a critical time when Nigeria must address its infrastructure deficit to unlock economic growth. He noted that the gathering provides a platform for policy dialogue, innovation and collaboration, particularly in aligning real estate development with infrastructure investment.

Participants at the conference emphasised the need for integrated planning, stronger land governance and the establishment of corridor management authorities to coordinate development across regions. Drawing lessons from global examples such as South Africa’s Gautrain, they noted that successful corridors combine transport systems with housing, commercial centres and industrial clusters.

“A road moves vehicles, but a corridor moves economies. The difference lies in integration and governance,” Awuzie said.

The conference is expected to produce a communiqué outlining recommendations for federal and state governments, focusing on land administration reforms, infrastructure financing and inclusive development strategies.

Stakeholders expressed optimism that a well-implemented corridor approach could reshape Nigeria’s economic landscape by creating new growth hubs, easing urban congestion and ensuring that infrastructure development benefits both investors and local communities.