At the 90th anniversary celebration of the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors (NIS), the Surveyor General of the Federation, Surv. Abdulganiyu Adebomehin, praised the institution for its enduring contributions to the profession and encouraged surveyors to remain actively engaged in its activities.
In his goodwill message, Surv. Adebomehin acknowledged the strong foundation laid by the founding members of NIS and expressed confidence in the future of the profession, stating, “Our founding fathers have established a solid foundation, and the young surveyors are leveraging the stone laid by them. I am confident that the future is brighter.”
He expressed appreciation for the contributions of the early surveyors and pledged continued support for their initiatives. Surv. Adebomehin also called on other government and security agencies to collaborate in ensuring the safety and development of the country.
Speaking at the event, the President of NIS, Surv. Dr. M.O. Ibitoye, emphasized the vital role surveyors played in Nigeria’s history, particularly during the colonial era, when they were considered second only to the Governor General. He highlighted their contributions to defining land boundaries, infrastructure, and governance through data and expertise that helped shape national policies.
Dr. Ibitoye also lamented that Nigeria is not fully mapped, a gap that hinders national development, planning, and security. He called on the government at all levels to empower the Office of the Surveyor General of the Federation, as well as surveyor generals in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), to address the country’s mapping needs.
The anniversary event, held at the WACP Event Centre in Gaduwa District, Abuja, was themed “90 Years of Mapping Progress: Celebrating the Past, Shaping the Future.” It underscored NIS’s achievements in surveying, mapping, and the advancement of geospatial information in Nigeria.
