…pledges increased support for OSGoF

John Alechenu

The Minister of State for Works, Muhammad Bello Goronyo, has assured the Office of the Surveyor General of the Federation (OSGoF), of the ministry’s support to enable it achieve its set objectives.

Goronyo said this during a familiarization visit to the OSGoF, in Abuja, Thursday.

He stressed the importance of mapping data for planning, which is crucial for national development.

The minister explained that adequate data remains essential to achieving the country’s economic prosperity.

He further stated that the advancement of technology has made data more accessible, making mapping data vital for various sectors and MDAs, including Agriculture and Water Resources.

Goronyo said, “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.”

Earlier, the Surveyor General of the Federation, Surv. Abuduganiyu Adebomehin, while welcoming the minister, requested increased funding for Nigeria’s geospatial information needs.

The Surveyor General said, “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.

He equally 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, the Chief Executive said, “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).”

The Minister’s visit was designed 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 also 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.