The Surveyor-General of the Federation, Abuduganiyu Adebomehin, has emphasised the urgent need for Nigeria to establish approximately 149 satellite stations across the country.

He said these stations are essential to provide real-time imaging capabilities, which will greatly enhance the nation’s ability to respond swiftly in emergencies and improve national security by assisting in the identification and elimination of terrorists and bandits.

The Surveyor-General said these when he received the Minister of State for Works, Muhammad Goronyo, on a familiarisation tour of the agency in Abuja.

A statement issued by the Head of Press and Public Relations, Office of the Surveyor-General, Sani Datti, and the Director of Press and Public Relations at the Works Ministry, Mohammed Ahmed, stated the visit offered the minister insight into the challenges faced by the office, including issues related to staff welfare.

In his welcome address,  Adebomehin noted the importance of the office in addressing critical infrastructure and security challenges faced in the country.

He explained that the United Nations had directed countries to install Continuously Operating Reference Stations, with Nigeria needing 200 stations.

He said only 51 out of the 200 required in the country have been developed with assistance from some private organisations.

He also requested increased funding for Nigeria’s geospatial information needs.

Adebomehin 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.”

While describing some of the persistent challenges that hinder the office’s ability to fulfill its responsibilities, he stated, “The United Nations has advised that countries need to have Continuously Operating Reference Stations. 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 organisations. CORS is valuable in mechanised 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.”

The SGoF emphasised that the office’s mandate is to meet the countries and various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies’ geospatial information needs for sustainable national development.

Additionally, he 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.

In response, the Minister of State for Works reiterated the importance of mapping data for planning, which is crucial for national development.

He emphasised that adequate data is essential to achieving the country’s economic prosperity.

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

Furthermore, the minister remarked, “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.”

 “You cannot achieve your desired goal without having accurate data. This is one office that has been working for over 100 years. And because of the advancement in technology, a lot of equipment has become obsolete,” he said.

As such, he disclosed that there is an increased need to bring them up to speed with modern times because many MDAs rely on the OSGoF to perform optimally, as it is key to national development.

He also pledged to look into the issue of the provision of additional Active Control Points to aid the Office in the performance of its duties.