He stated this in Abuja at the Inauguration Lecture and ceremony of the 26th President of NIESV, Victor Adekunle Alonge, while congratulating the Council for its unwavering dedication to professionalism, patriotism and excellence .

Delivering his speech on The Role of Professional Bodies in National Development: Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Perspective, Akpabio said, "let us draw inspiration from the wisdom of His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu, GCFR, who once said, “In the face of adversity, hope is our guiding light.” In our pursuit of a brighter future for our nation, let us hold onto that hope and let it propel us towards greatness and greater prosperity.

According to Akpabio, " at the same time, let us reflect on the experiences of reputable professional bodies in nations such as the United Kingdom and Singapore as we ponder the significance of professional bodies in national development. In the United Kingdom, esteemed organizations like the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) have played a pivotal role in shaping policies, setting standards, and driving innovation in the fields of surveying and urban planning. 

Their contributions have advanced the built environment and fostered sustainable development across the United Kingdom.

Similarly, in Singapore, companies such as the Singapore Institute of Surveyors and Valuers (SISV) and the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) have been at the forefront of promoting excellence, professionalism, and best practices in the construction and real estate sectors.

 Through collaboration with government agencies and industry stakeholders, these companies have significantly contributed to Singapore’s success as a global hub for urban innovation and sustainable development. Therefore, the topic of our lecture today, has parallels in the global space.

"As we contemplate the transformative impact of professional bodies on national development, let us strive to emulate the successes of these esteemed bodies and forge partnerships that will propel Nigeria towards a future of prosperity,

"We must acknowledge the tireless efforts of our legislators in the Senate, who have championed the cause of surveying and valuers in Nigeria through groundbreaking legislation and visionary policies that uphold the highest standards of integrity."