The Surveyor General of the Federation (SGOF), Surv. Abduganiyu Adeyemi Adebomehin, has met with members of the Forum of States Surveyor General of Nigeria (FOSSGON) to discuss key challenges facing the surveying profession and outline strategies for advancing national geospatial development. The meeting held over the weekend at OSGOF headquarters in Abuja.
Adebomehin, in his opening remarks, called for the elevation of State Surveyors General to the federal decision-making structure.
“We need to move States Surveyor General to the Federal level so they can be part of decision-making at the Federal level,” he said.
He highlighted the need for a coordinated national position on Geographic Information System (GIS) and land management, which would be presented to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Adebomehin referenced the success of the Abuja digital mapping project, which captured thousands of housing units, emphasizing the importance of demonstrating its long-term economic benefits.
“We must begin writing to the governors. By our next meeting, we should be ready to begin work on digital twin mapping. There will be increased collaboration between state and federal surveyors,” he noted.
He further encouraged states to identify and support capable staff, revealing that OSGOF has undergone specialized software and digital-twin mapping training in partnership with Chinese experts.
“We are now set for the second phase of Abuja digital twin mapping. Our target is to deploy aircraft to map the entire country. Developing local capacity is essential, and I appeal to everyone to take this seriously,” Adebomehin added.
Surv. Duniya Magaji, Head of Geodesy at OSGOF, appreciated FOSSGON for their cooperation and support, wishing them safe journeys to their various states.
Also speaking, Surv. Charity Michael, Director of Surveying and Mapping at the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), commended Adebomehin for building enduring structures within the office.
She advocated for the upgrade of survey offices to extra-ministerial departments nationwide.
“In the FCT, some people who studied history are handling survey data. For any GIS system, a surveyor must be involved. What many states operate is not holistic GIS. Land administration should be handled by professional surveyors,” she said.
The Chairman of FOSSGON and Surveyor General of Adamawa State, Surv. Pwavidon Simon, said the delegation visited to strengthen collaboration and celebrate the renewed relevance of OSGOF.
“We are delighted that OSGOF has regained its rightful position. We appreciate the confidence President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has placed in you, especially in land administration,” he said.
Similarly, the Surveyor General of Osun State, Surv. Soladoye Abioye, congratulated Adebomehin on his tenure extension and the elevation of OSGOF to the Presidency. He appealed for the reconstitution of the Surveyors Council of Nigeria (SURCON), noting that its absence has disrupted professional examinations and progression.
“The lack of synergy between federal agencies and states especially the National Population Commission and INEC also fuels boundary challenges. We need your assistance in resolving these issues,” he added.
The meeting concluded with excitement as FOSSGON collectively presented a gift to the SGOF in recognition of his achievements and his role in elevating the status of OSGOF.
