The Nigerian Institution of Surveyors on Wednesday called on the federal government to adopt geospatial intelligence as a strategic tool to address the country’s environmental and developmental challenges.

The call was made at the 59th AGM and Conference of the Institution in Enugu, with the theme “Harnessing Geospatial Intelligence in the New World: Innovations and Opportunities for Sustainable Development”.

Geospatial intelligence involves analysing imagery and geospatial information to understand human activity on Earth. It is vital for mapping, navigation, urban planning, disaster management, and sustainable development.

Speaking at the event, NIS president Matthew Ibitoye said as the world faces climate change, urbanisation, resource depletion, and public health crises, the application of GEOINT offers immense opportunities for informed decision-making and sustainable planning.

“This aligns directly with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and our collective ambition to build resilient societies,” Mr Ibitoye said.

He restated the need for Nigeria to establish a coordinated National Geospatial Data Infrastructure in line with global best practices.

Mr Ibitoye, however, identified key barriers to adoption, including high technology costs, data gaps, lack of skilled personnel, and concerns about data privacy.

He commended Governor Peter Mbah for hosting the conference and for strengthening the state’s geospatial systems through the establishment of the Enugu State Geographic Information Service and the modernisation of the office of the surveyor-general.

Mr Ibitoye also appealed to the federal government to reconstitute the Surveyors Council of Nigeria, which has remained dissolved since 2023, noting that the absence of the regulatory body hinders effective governance and professional oversight in the sector.

In a keynote address, Chinedu Nebo, underscored the relevance of GEOINT in national development, stressing its potential to support infrastructural planning, enhance agricultural productivity, address climate change, and ensure food security.

Declaring the event open, Mr Mbah, represented by the secretary to the state government, Chidiebere Onyia, said the conference would help shape the country’s approach to environmental planning and sustainable development.

“This is why we hold your profession in the highest regard. From the outset of this administration, we have prioritised the strengthening of our surveying institutions. The office of the state surveyor general has been repositioned to drive innovation, accuracy, and professionalism.

“One of our major interventions has been the acquisition of a real-time drone instrument to enhance data gathering and analysis,” he added. 

(NAN)