Nigeria is embarking on a transformative journey leveraging geospatial technology to propel its development agenda, particularly in the realm of smart cities and modern infrastructure. The Surveyor-General of the Federation, Abdulganiyu Adebomehin, underscored the nation’s commitment to this technological advancement, highlighting its crucial role in shaping the future and aligning with the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He emphasized that geospatial information management is the driving force behind global progress, and Nigeria aims to be at the forefront of this revolution. Adebomehin stressed that the development and utilization of high-resolution imagery and street view data are essential components of building smart cities, enabling informed decision-making and efficient urban planning. This commitment is evident in the ongoing mapping project in Abuja, with significant progress already achieved.
The project, involving the collection of high-resolution drone imagery and street view data for the Abuja Municipal Area Council, showcases Nigeria’s dedication to embracing cutting-edge technology. Adebomehin noted the strategic importance of this data, especially its two-centimeter or less imagery scale, which is crucial for developing smart city initiatives. He highlighted the meticulous approach taken, pausing the project after completing 20 out of 35 approved blocks to strategize before resuming the remaining phases. This careful planning demonstrates a commitment to quality and precision in data acquisition, laying a solid foundation for future development projects.
The Surveyor-General further emphasized the broad applications of geospatial technology, extending beyond urban planning to encompass national security and disaster management. He drew attention to the increasing use of drones in modern warfare, underscoring their destructive potential and emphasizing the need for Nigeria to maintain technological parity for defense purposes. He reiterated that falling behind in technological advancements would hinder the nation’s progress towards building smart cities, making it imperative to embrace and adopt these tools. The workshop served as a platform to showcase the country’s progress in geospatial technology and its commitment to utilizing it for national development.
Azeez Olaniyi, Head of the Department of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing, provided further insights into the transformative potential of geospatial technology, particularly focusing on digital twins. He explained how this technology, which creates virtual replicas of physical environments, can revolutionize urban planning, infrastructure management, and disaster preparedness. While acknowledging the common association of digital twins with urban areas, Olaniyi expanded on their applicability to border regions, referencing the collaboration between the Border Community Development Agency (BCDE) and the Nigerian Immigration Services. He envisioned the use of digital twins for enhanced border security and management, potentially mirroring the sophisticated systems employed in countries like South Korea, where real-time air traffic monitoring is facilitated by digital twin technology.
Olaniyi elaborated on the multifaceted benefits of digital twins, illustrating how they can streamline various processes and optimize resource allocation. For instance, urban renovations could be planned and executed virtually, eliminating the need for disruptive physical interventions and saving valuable time and resources. Similarly, the construction of new infrastructure, such as rail systems, roads, and power lines, can be strategically mapped and implemented using digital twin technology, facilitating more efficient project execution and minimizing environmental impact. He emphasized the potential of high-resolution imagery of Abuja to aid in these government projects, allowing for comprehensive assessments of existing infrastructure and informed decision-making on new developments.
Furthermore, Olaniyi highlighted the potential of geospatial technology in addressing critical national needs such as population census and disaster management. He described how the detailed building information captured through high-resolution imagery can be used to estimate population density, potentially revolutionizing census procedures and providing more accurate demographic data. In disaster preparedness, digital twins can play a crucial role by simulating the impact of natural events like floods, allowing for pre-emptive measures to mitigate potential damage and safeguard lives and property. This predictive capability underscores the immense value of geospatial technology in enhancing disaster response and building more resilient communities. In conclusion, Nigeria’s strategic embrace of geospatial technology, from high-resolution imagery to digital twins, positions the country for significant advancements in urban development, infrastructure management, and national security, ultimately driving progress towards a more sustainable and prosperous future.
