The Office of the Surveyor General of the Federation (OSGoF) Thursday in Abuja held a Survey Coordination Conference and Advisory Board on Survey Training with this year’s theme, “Repositioning the Nigerian Geospatial Space for the Renewed Hope Agenda and Sustainable Economic Growth.”
The Office brought together 36 state and Federal Capital Territory surveyors-general, academics, and professionals to discuss ways to promote the geospatial and surveying industry in Nigeria.
This was contained in a press statement issued by the Office’s Head of Media and Public Relations, Sani Datti.
It indicated that the Surveyor General of the Federation, Surv. Abudulganiyu Adeyemi Adebomehin, in his welcome address, emphasized 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 programs, and stronger partnerships to position Nigeria as a leader in geospatial technology and data management.
“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 surveys across all levels, enhancing capacity building through robust training programs, and fostering partnerships that advance Nigeria’s leadership in Geospatial technology and data management,” he said.
In his keynote address, the President of the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors (NIS), Surveyor Matthew Olomolatan Ibitoye, called for the urgent amendment of the outdated Survey Coordination Act to reflect current technological advancements and global best practices.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 OSGoF for organising the event and reaffirmed NIS’ commitment to advancing the surveying profession and supporting national development initiatives.
“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,” he said.
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.
Stakeholders reiterated the vital role of geospatial information in governance, infrastructure development, environmental management, and disaster resilience.
