This paper explores the evolving realities of estate management in Nigeria’s public institutions, focusing on persistent challenges and emerging opportunities. Drawing on secondary literature, the study highlights weak governance, financial constraints, cultural inertia, and professional capacity deficits as barriers that hinder effective estate management. Findings reveal that these systemic challenges limit transparency, accountability, and the strategic integration of estate management into institutional objectives. However, the analysis also identifies opportunities for reform through eco-friendly maintenance practices, digital innovation, professional training, and governance reforms that emphasize transparency and accountability. The study argues that estate management must transition from reactive, fragmented approaches to proactive and sustainability-oriented practices. By integrating transparency, professional development, and long-term planning into their estate management systems, Nigerian public institutions can enhance accountability, optimize resources, and position themselves as exemplars of sustainable governance. This shift is essential for institutional resilience and national development.