The Surveyor-General of the Federation, Surv. Abuduganiyu Adeyemi Adebomehin, has called for leveraging geospatial data and technologies for Nigeria’s national transformation, economic planning, and sustainable development.
He made the call during the opening session of the 2024 Survey Coordination Conference and Advisory Board on Survey Training, held in Abuja today.
With the theme, “Repositioning the Nigerian Geospatial Space for the Renewed Hope Agenda and Sustainable Economic Growth,” the conference brought together 36 state and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) surveyor-generals, as well as academics and professionals to discuss ways to promote the geospatial and surveying industry in Nigeria.
Presenting his welcome address, Surv. Adebomehin emphasised the importance of leveraging geospatial data and technologies for national transformation, economic planning, and sustainable development.
He highlighted the need for capacity building, innovative training programmes, and stronger partnerships to position Nigeria as a leader in geospatial technology and data management.
The Surveyor-General said, “I am confident that this conference will serve as a catalyst for repositioning our profession, revitalising the geospatial sector, and ensuring that survey and mapping remain at the forefront of Nigeria’s developmental agenda.
“Our discussions and resolutions today will focus on strengthening survey across all levels, enhancing capacity building through robust training programs, and fostering partnerships that advance Nigeria’s leadership in geospatial technology and data management.”
In his keynote address, the President of the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors (NIS), Surv. Dr. Matthew Olomolatan Ibitoye, called for the urgent amendment of the outdated Survey Coordination Act to reflect current technological advancements and global best practices.
He commended the Office of the Surveyor-General of the Federation for organising the event and reaffirmed the NIS’s commitment to advancing the surveying profession and supporting national development initiatives.
He 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).
“However, the rapid advancements in surveying instruments, methods, and technologies have outpaced the provisions of this Act.
“The inability of the Act to accommodate these advancements has rendered it ineffective in certain critical areas.”
Earlier, the Director of Survey Coordination, Surv. Semiu Ayinde, highlighted the conference’s goals, which include discussing key challenges, opportunities, and strategies for effective Survey Coordination.
“Our goal is to enhance collaboration, improve data quality, and advance our collective mission,” he said.
The Head of Press and Public Relations in the Surveyor-general’s Office, Sani Datti, explained that the conference addressed critical challenges in the surveying sector, including technological gaps, outdated practices, and insufficient training.
It explored solutions to enhance the quality of geospatial data for effective decision-making, he added.
Datti said: “Stakeholders reiterated the vital role of geospatial information in governance, infrastructure development, environmental management, and disaster resilience.
“The conference underscored the necessity of innovation, inclusiveness, and 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.”
