By Favour Nnabugwu

Nigeria has won the right to host the 35th International Federation of Surveyors, FIG Conference /General Assembly in Abuja. Already a delegation of FIG is in the country to inspect the nation’s preparedness for the 2013 world surveyors’ conference.

Minister of Works,  Mr. Mike Onolememen whilst receiving FIG delegation  led by its president, Mr  “We shall provide the necessary facilities at the International Conference Center to make sure that delegates are not only secure but comfortable,” he assured.

The Minister represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mallam Bukar Goni Aji promised that the ministry will work closely with the security operatives in the Federal Capital Territory including the Police to secure delegates throughout delegates’ stay in the country.

“But due to the number of about 3,000 being expected for the 2013 conference, we need to prepare more and l am assuring you that we will work with security operatives  in order to ensure adequate security of delegates,” he said.

He recalled that the country had expressed its interest to host the 35th FIG conference through  the Nigerian Institute of Surveyors, NIS and the Nigerian Institute of Quality Surveyors, NIQS.

Investigations however revealed that the benefits of hosting the FIG working week by member country are enormous and goes beyond the immediate benefit as  host country stands to benefit from the rich and diverse experiences of professionals from all over the world with its attendant investing opportunities.

Nigeria first hosted FIG’s PC Meeting at Ibadan, Oyo state in 1976.According to Mr. Yakubu Maikano. President, Nigerian Institution of Surveyors, the country would be better for it during and after the conference.

”We stand the benefit of tapping into the rich resources of their experience. Our country also would also benefit form the abundance of patronage to all sector of our economy by the delegates without losing sight of the immense potential investment opportunities that could emerge from interactions with the delegates,” he said.

FIG President, Mr Theo Chee Hai said the body currently has130 member countries.