The Surveyor General of the Federation, Surv. Abuduganiyu Adebomehin, has called on state governors to elevate their State Surveyor General Offices to extra-ministerial status, emphasizing the critical role of surveying in infrastructural development. This appeal was made during the 58th annual general meeting of the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors (NIS) in Edo State.
Adebomehin highlighted the precision and accuracy inherent in the surveying profession, essential for determining positions, distances, and angles. “Virtually nothing can be accomplished without surveying,” he asserted, noting its ubiquitous application on land, sea, and even in emerging technologies like robotics.
NIS President, Surv. Dr. Matthew Ibitoye, echoed these sentiments, identifying the lack of comprehensive mapping as a significant impediment to national development. He argued that well-mapped countries are typically the most developed, stressing the need for a government-led comprehensive mapping program.
“The significance of surveying in national development cannot be overstated,” Ibitoye declared. He called for a State of Emergency on Mapping in Nigeria, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. This initiative aims to mobilize resources and prioritize efforts to update and expand mapping coverage, ensuring accurate spatial data is available for planning, decision-making, and development across all sectors.
