By SUNDAY ABBA, Abuja
As Nigerian surveyors join their counterparts worldwide to celebrate the 2026 Global Surveyors Day (GSD) on Saturday in Abuja, the President of the Nigerian Institute of Surveyors (NIS), Surv. Pius Chukwu Emeka Eze, has stated that lack of multi-sectoral approach is a major bane of surveying and, by extension, development in the country.
He stated this in his speech to mark the day, delivered to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) chapter during their celebration of the day, which included a visit to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) in his office at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
He described this year’s theme: ‘Surveyors Challenges in Muti Sectoral Growth” is apt in highlighting the key limitations faced by Surveyors while discharging their duties in Nigeria, which, according to him, includes inadequate land data, skill gaps in sustainability, poor public recognition and lack of multisectoral growth for robust practice.
Speaking right in front of the Force Headquarters, Prof. Eze said, “The multi-sectoral approach in our profession is the only way to guarantee robust practice, achieve the intents of Survey Coordination Act, creation of National Survey Data Bank to be known and called “THE SURVEY OF NIGERIA’. for planning, decision making and national development.”
Continuing, he said “Despite these challenges. we believe in creating technology and service delivery that doesn’t just meet today’s demands but sets the stage for tomorrow’s possibilities.
“Therefore, I enjoin all surveyors to regularly equip themselves with deserving intellect and tools that would empower them, simplify their workflows, and maximise their productivity.
“Be assured. NIS is committed to building the foundation for the next generation of surveying excellence.
“Once again, happy Global Surveyors Day!”
While begining his speech, the NIS President highlighted the importance of surveying to society development, urging his colleagues to keep the flag flying for the noble profession at all times.
He said, “Our work defines locations, boundaries, builds infrastructure. and drives progress by providing data for planned poses and decision making at all levels by government, captains of industries for any meaningful and sustainable development.
“Let’s keep pushing boundaries and Innovating! Cheers to all surveyors making a difference!”
One of the few goodwill messages on the spot came from Surv. Charity Michael Ola. According to her, one critical aspect of the challenges faced by surveying practitioners, especially in the FCT, is that of security, and to worsen it, no insurance cover for the surveyors.
“When surveyors go to the field, especially in the FCT, they are beaten up, stripped of clothes, and dispossessed of working instruments. All these are hazards faced; unfortunately, the nation h not deemed it fit to provide insurance for surveyors a they do the hazardous work,” she lamented.
She however thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike, for the enabling environment currently enjoyed by surveyors operating in Abuja.
The FCT chairman of NIS, Surv. Yakub Toga, also expressed gratitude to the federal and FCT authorities for providing the enabling environment for surveyors to do their works.
He enjoined members of the public to always give development a chance by cooperating with government in the implementation of the Land Use Act which stipulates that all lands belong to government, such that any parcel of land designated for development project is not highjacked for private gains correcting or reverting it may lead to project delay or outright contract revocation.
Highpoint of the event was the cutting of balloons, after which the assembly of FCT surveyors proceeded to recreation centre in Abuja where the indulged in different sporting activities, ate, and drank while making merry together.
Global Surveyors Day, initiated in 2018 by the International Federation of Surveyors (FIG), highlights the profession’s role in shaping communities, pioneering technologies. tactical security response, academic research, maritime and blue economy initiatives, oil and natural resources, digital mapping, and supporting sustainable development worldwide.
This day is remarkably celebrated annually every March 21st to globally recognise the vital contributions of Surveying and Geoinformatics to the society.