By Samuel Solomon
Nigerian Surveyors have called for increased recognition and application of geospatial data in national planning and development, stressing that accurate spatial information is essential for effective decision-making and sustainable growth.
The call was made on Tuesday during the 60th Annual General Meeting and Conference of the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors (NIS) in Kano.
The conference, themed “Navigate to Elevate: The Geospatial Blueprint for Multi-Sectoral Growth,” brought together professionals, government officials and stakeholders to discuss the role of geospatial information in national development.
Speaking at the event, President of the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors, Pius Chukwuemeka Eze, highlighted the importance of geospatial data in sectors such as infrastructure, agriculture, security, environmental management and urban planning.
He described geospatial information as a critical tool for planning and policy implementation, noting that accurate data is necessary for the successful execution of development projects.
According to him, surveyors play an important role in collecting, analysing and interpreting spatial data that supports government and private-sector decision-making.
Eze said the conference theme reflects the profession’s commitment to providing the information needed to guide development initiatives and promote growth across various sectors.
He also called for policies that would strengthen the surveying profession, including enhanced legal frameworks and greater involvement of certified surveyors in national projects.
In his welcome address, Kano State Chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors, Yahya M. Amin, urged government to provide additional support for survey institutions and geospatial development.
He advocated the elevation of the office of the Surveyor-General in Kano State to extra-ministerial status, saying such a move could strengthen land administration and geospatial data management.
Amin said improved institutional support would contribute to capacity building, effective governance and better management of land resources.
He also expressed appreciation to the Kano State Government for supporting the hosting of the conference.
Declaring the event open, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, represented by the Commissioner for Lands, Abubakar Abduljabar Umar, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting professional bodies and initiatives that contribute to development.
The conference featured discussions on the role of geospatial technology in national growth and concluded with the presentation of awards to members recognised for their contributions to the surveying profession.
Participants included surveyors, government officials and stakeholders from across the country.
