The Surveyor-General of the Federation, Abuduganiyu Adebomehin, has called for the establishment of 149 satellite stations across Nigeria to enhance the nation’s real-time imaging capabilities. These stations would play a crucial role in improving emergency responses and national security, particularly in combating terrorism and banditry. During a familiarisation visit from the Minister of State for Works, Muhammad Goronyo, Adebomehin highlighted the dire need for these installations to support the nation’s critical infrastructure and security needs. He underlined that the United Nations mandates countries to implement Continuously Operating Reference Stations (CORS), with Nigeria’s target set at 200 stations; however, only 51 have been established thus far, primarily through private sector partnerships.
In his address, Adebomehin emphasized that the Office of the Surveyor-General, created in the early 1900s, plays an instrumental role in defining Nigeria’s territorial integrity and boundaries. He mentioned the necessity of increasing funding to address geospatial information needs that are essential for sustainable national development. The Surveyor-General urged the government to prioritize these stations, noting their importance in search and rescue operations, mechanized farming, and effective border monitoring to combat insurgency. The lack of resources has hindered the office’s ability to meet its critical responsibilities concerning boundary demarcation across the country’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Addressing the minister’s visit, Adebomehin reiterated the constitutional mandate of the Office of the Surveyor-General to meet the geospatial needs of various government ministries and agencies. His call for increased investment was emphasized through his explanation of the office’s role in conducting triangulations and cadastral surveys, which are vital for development planning. He pointed out that technological advancements have rendered much existing equipment obsolete, necessitating the acquisition of modern tools to ensure effective data gathering and analysis for planning and executing critical projects.
The Minister of State for Works acknowledged the critical nature of geographic data for national planning and development. He supported Adebomehin’s assertion that access to accurate mapping data is integral to achieving Nigeria’s economic aspirations. Goronyo reminded attendees of the significant impact that improved geospatial information could have on sectors such as agriculture and water resources, where detailed mapping is essential for optimization and strategic development. He recognized the pressing security challenges facing Nigeria and emphasized that effective mapping and related data systems are vital to ensuring robust national security strategies.
Additionally, Goronyo lauded the Surveyor-General’s efforts despite the numerous challenges faced by the office and affirmed his belief that advancements in technology could offer new opportunities for enhancing the Surveyor-General’s operations. He highlighted that many ministries depend on accurate geospatial data and affirmed the ministry’s commitment to resolving issues related to the provision of Active Control Points to aid the Office of the Surveyor-General. The minister’s acknowledgment of the office’s century-long contribution to national development further underscored the importance of sustaining its operations through modern technological upgrades.
In summary, the dialogue between Adebomehin and Goronyo exemplifies the critical intersection of geospatial data and national security in Nigeria. Establishing an adequate number of satellite and reference stations is imperative not only for emergency responsiveness but also for effective planning across various sectors. The discussion on funding and modernization reflects a broader acknowledgment of the challenges faced by governmental agencies in leveraging technology for national progress. Moving forward, the collaboration between the Surveyor-General’s office and the Ministry of Works will be vital in shaping a functional framework that addresses Nigeria’s developmental and security needs through enhanced geospatial capabilities.
