SGOF, states surveyors move to reclaim land administration from non-professionals

‎The Surveyor General of the Federation (SGOF), Surv. Abduganiyu Adeyemi Adebomehin and the Forum of States Surveyor General of Nigeria (FOSSGON) have taken a united stand to reposition the nation’s land administration, GIS systems, and mapping architecture, declaring that survey professionals, not non-technical actors, must take full control of Nigeria’s geospatial data.

‎During a meeting held on Friday at the Office of the Surveyor General of the Federation in Abuja, Adebomehin called for a sweeping structural reform that would bring state Surveyors General into the federal decision-making framework.

‎Adebomehin disclosed that OSGOF is preparing critical submissions to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the future of digital mapping, land management, and GIS.

‎He said the ongoing Abuja digital mapping, which has captured thousands of housing units already, proves the financial and developmental returns of geospatial investment.

‎He urged state surveyors to begin formal engagement with their governors ahead of a nationwide digital-twin mapping initiative.

‎He revealed that OSGOF has undergone advanced training with Chinese experts on digital-twin technologies that recognise African building types.

‎“We are ready for Abuja’s second-phase digital-twin mapping. Our next target is to map the entire country using aircraft. Nigeria must build its own capacity,” he said.

‎Surv. Duniya Magaji, Head of Geodesy at OSGOF, thanked FOSSGON for their continuous support, describing the growing federal–state synergy as vital for national development.

‎Also speaking, Surv. Charity Michael of the Federal Capital Development Authority hailed Adebomehin for building what she called a lasting professional legacy. She renewed calls for survey offices to be upgraded to extra-ministerial departments, including in the FCT, warning that non-survey professionals in GIS units continue to mishandle sensitive data.

‎“Land administration must remain in the hands of surveyors. What many states currently operate is not holistic GIS,” she insisted.

‎FOSSGON Chairman and Adamawa State Surveyor General, Surv. Pwavidon Simon led the delegation and praised the renewed national relevance of OSGOF under Adebomehin.

‎“We are here to celebrate your leadership and the confidence President Tinubu has placed in you. OSGOF is again shaping national policy, especially in infrastructure development,” he said.

‎Osun State Surveyor General, Surv. Soladoye Abioye congratulated Adebomehin on his tenure extension and OSGOF’s elevation to the Presidency.

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‎Abioye appealed for the urgent restoration of the Surveyors Council of Nigeria (SURCON), noting that its absence has halted professional examinations and weakened regulatory oversight. He also urged stronger collaboration between federal agencies and state survey offices to minimise boundary disputes.