The Nigerian Institution of Surveyors has called for the urgent reconstitution of the Surveyors Council of Nigeria.
The President of the institution, Dr Matthew Ibitoye, made the call while marking the institute’s 90th anniversary in Abuja recently.
He highlighted the importance of the council for effective regulation and the preservation of professional integrity, stating, “How can we truly celebrate 90 years when our regulatory body is in disarray?”
The event, attended by prominent figures, including members of the National Assembly and various professional bodies highlighted the vital contributions of surveyors to Nigeria’s development.
Ibitoye reflected on the historical role of surveyors, mentioning that they were once seen as second only to the governor-general during colonial times.
He stated, “Surveying is not just a technical profession; it is indeed an art of nation-building.”
Despite advancements in technology and methodology, Ibitoye lamented the current marginalisation of surveyors, who possess critical expertise that could help mitigate national disasters.
He pointed to the recent flooding in Maiduguri as an example, asserting, “Surveyors have the tools and knowledge to measure the situation, which causes overflow of dams. Yet, the government did not make good use of the expertise of over 15,000 of us, and the result was devastating.”
He urged the government to empower the Office of the Surveyor General and state offices to enhance mapping and disaster management.
He remarked, “In 2024, Nigeria is still not fully mapped. Accurate and up-to-date mapping is fundamental for national development, planning, and security.
“Without the council, we cannot regulate our profession effectively, and we risk losing the integrity that has defined us for nearly a century.”
He implored the government to recognise the value of surveyors, noting, “We are not merely map-makers, we are engineers of progress, guardians of safety, and stewards of national development.”
The anniversary also served as a fundraising event for the construction of a new NIS secretariat.
