Zainab Abioye
Surveyors have stressed the urgent need for accurate geospatial data and effective urban planning as critical drivers of sustainable infrastructure and the development of smart cities in Nigeria.
A Professor of Environmental Management and Environmental Health at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Olusegun Oguntoke, made the call on Wednesday while delivering a lecture at the Biennial Luncheon and Welcome Reception for new fellows of the Ogun State Body of Fellows of the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors held in Abeokuta.
Speaking on the theme, “Sustainable Infrastructure Development for Smart Cities: The Role of Nigerian Surveyors,” Oguntoke warned that rapid urbanisation was mounting pressure on housing, transportation, energy, water supply and other critical infrastructure across Nigerian cities.
He explained that surveyors occupy a central position in modern urban development by providing the spatial data required for planning, resource management and efficient service delivery.
“Surveyors provide the foundational data on which digital technologies operate. Without accurate spatial data, it becomes difficult to effectively plan and manage smart cities,” he said.
Oguntoke noted that while the vision of smart cities in Nigeria is achievable, it requires strong government commitment, adequate funding and active public cooperation.
He identified poor urban planning, housing deficits, decaying infrastructure, environmental challenges and insecurity as major constraints facing Nigerian cities.
The don also highlighted challenges confronting the surveying profession, including insecurity on project sites, the proliferation of quacks, weak land data systems and poor public recognition.
In his goodwill message, the Chairman of the Ogun State Body of Fellows, Olatunde Ayodele, urged the newly admitted fellows to contribute meaningfully to the growth of the profession.
Similarly, the Chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors, Ogun State Branch, Abiodun Liadi, charged them to mentor younger professionals, provide leadership and uphold professional integrity.
Four surveyors were admitted into the Body of Fellows at the event. They include Haleemat Yusuf Oluwatoyin, Muritala Korede Lasisi, Michael Olubiyi Ogunkola and Akeem Adewale Lemboye.
One of the honourees, Oluwatoyin, described her elevation as a major milestone and pledged to continue mentoring young people, particularly girls, to take up careers in surveying.
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