The Surveyor General of the Federation, Abuduganiyu Adebomehin has said that they’re leveraging on geospatial data space and technologies for national transformation, economic planning, and sustainable development.
Adebomehin stated this at the 2024 Survey Coordination Conference and Advisory Board on Survey Training themed: “Repositioning the Nigerian Geospatial Space for the Renewed Hope Agenda and Sustainable Economic Growth” in Abuja.
He stated that they are bringing together surveyor generals in 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, academics, and professionals to discuss ways to promote the geospatial and surveying industry in Nigeria.
Adebomehin highlighted the need for capacity building, innovative training programmes, and stronger partnerships to position Nigeria as a leader in geospatial technology and data management. “We are confident that this conference will catalyse repositioning our profession, revitalising the geospatial sector, and ensuring that survey and mapping remain at the forefront of Nigeria’s developmental agenda,” he said.
The President of the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors (NIS), Dr Matthew Ibitoye, called for the amendment of the outdated Survey Coordination Act to reflect current technological advancements and global best practices.
Ibitoye said: “It is essential to reflect on the Survey Coordination Act of 1962 and its subsequent amendment in 1968. This legislation placed the vital responsibility of coordinating survey activities across the nation and enforcing relevant regulations on the Office of the Surveyor General of Federation (OSGoF).”
He explained that the rapid advancements in surveying instruments, methods, and technologies have outpaced the provisions of the Act. The inability of the Act to accommodate these advancements has rendered it ineffective in certain critical areas.
Earlier, the Director of Survey Coordination, Semiu Ayinde, highlighted the conference’s goals, which include discussing key challenges, opportunities, and strategies for effective Survey Coordination, as well as enhancing collaboration, improving data quality, and advancing our collective mission.
“It will equally explore solutions to enhance the quality of geospatial data for effective decision-making. Stakeholders reiterated the vital role of geospatial information in governance, infrastructure development, environmental management, and disaster resilience,” he said.
They called for sustained investment in the geospatial space to meet the demands of the 21st century. The resolutions adopted will guide future policies and initiatives, reinforcing the critical role of survey and geospatial data in shaping Nigeria’s future.
