SGoF Welcomes Minister of State for Works, Seeks Increased Funding
Oru Leonard
The Surveyor General of the Federation, Surv. Abuduganiyu Adebomehin, welcomed the Honourable Minister of State for Works, Muhammad Bello Goronyo Esq., today for a familiarization tour of the Office. During the visit, he requested increased funding for Nigeria’s geospatial information needs.
This is contained in a press release signed by the Head of Press and Public Relations, Sani Datti
In his welcome address, the Surveyor General noted, “The Office of the Surveyor General was established in the early 1900s and has served in many capacities in the development of Nigeria. It is the only office that defines the entity known as Nigeria by helping to delineate the limits of its sub-national boundaries.”
The SGoF emphasized that the office’s mandate is to meet the country’s and various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies’ (MDAs) geospatial information needs for sustainable national development. Additionally, he highlighted that the office is enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to address gaps in triangulation, cadastral surveys, and topography across the nation.
While describing some of the persistent challenges that hinder the office’s ability to fulfill its responsibilities, he stated, “The United Nations has advised that countries need to have Continuously Operating Reference Stations (CORS). These stations can aid in search and rescue during emergencies. We have developed only 51 out of the 200 required in the country, with assistance from some private organizations. CORS is valuable in mechanized farming, search and rescue, and combating insurgency, as it allows personnel to pinpoint their locations. We require funding to address boundary issues, as it is essential to demarcate the boundaries across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).”
In response, the Minister of State for Works, Muhammad Bello Goronyo, reiterated the importance of mapping data for planning, which is crucial for national development. He emphasized that adequate data is essential to achieving the country’s economic prosperity. He also pointed out that the advancement of technology has made data more accessible, making mapping data vital for various sectors and MDAs, including Agriculture and Water Resources.
Furthermore, the Minister remarked, “Access to mapping data can play a critical role in addressing the security challenges currently faced by the country. I believe the Office of the Surveyor General is vital for achieving the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President. I commend the Surveyor General of the Federation for the numerous accomplishments of the office, despite the significant challenges.”
The Minister’s visit aimed to strengthen the Ministry’s engagement with the Office of the Surveyor General of the Federation and to conduct an on-the-spot assessment of the office’s infrastructure and resources. The visit offered the Minister insight into the challenges faced by the office, including issues related to staff welfare. He reiterated his commitment to supporting the office in addressing the pressing challenges highlighted during the visit, emphasizing his resolve to elevate the office’s stature.
