Survey, Mapping Now Compulsory for all FG Buildings’

The Surveyor-General of the Federation, Mr. Adeniran Taiwo, on Wednesday said henceforth all government buildings should have compulsory survey and mapping documents backing them.

Taiwo, who stated this while receiving officials of the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors (NIS) at his office in Abuja, noted that the move was to ensure that all the problems associated with disregard for the regulation of surveying in the country are eliminated.

He stated that the federal government was committed to the issues of surveying and mapping, noting that because of its relevance, all government building and facilities must abide by it from now.

A statement signed by, the Head of Press and Public Relations in the office of the Surveyor-General, Michael Abu, advised members of the public to ensure proper survey by experts before embarking on any construction project to avoid loss of lives and waste of resources.

Taiwo also added that the Office of the Surveyor General of the Federation (OSGoF) would from now on produce maps with geospatial needs for all the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of the federal government.

According to him, this would allow for proper planning and execution of projects and programmes of action.

The SGoF expressed delight that the Minister for Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, had shown a lot of interest in the mapping project.

He lauded the minister for his 'deep insight' on the importance of geospatial data and information for planning and implementation of government projects.

Taiwo explained that there would hardly be any meaningful implementation and execution of projects without geospatial data or information that would inform evidence-based decisions for proper planning before execution of government projects.

He said geospatial maps for the MDAs would be of great value addition that would curb waste of scarce financial resources of the government.

Taiwo pointed out that each MDA would be expected to intimate the OSGoF with its geospatial needs based on its services and functions for the production of the maps.

The statement commended the officials of NIS under the leadership of Alabo Charles for its achievements so far and urged them to support his office in its drive to produce world-class survey contents for the Nigerian Government in order to speed up the country's development.

Taiwo promised to collaborate with various professionals to achieve the mandate of his office.

Earlier in his remarks, the NIS President, Charles, noted that the appointment and confirmation of Taiwo, a surveyor, as the SGoF was well-deserved in view of his passion for the profession and his contributions so far in the country.

He pledged the support of NIS and appealed to the SGoF to always carry all members of the profession along for the greater benefit of the country.