Surveyors demand accurate data and plan to accelerate smart cities

Zainab Abioye

Surveyors highlighted the urgent need for accurate geospatial data and effective urban planning as critical factors for sustainable infrastructure and smart city development 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 lecturing at the biennial luncheon and welcome reception for new members of the Ogun State Body of Fellows of the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors held in Abeokuta.

Speaking on “Sustainable Infrastructure Development for Smart Cities: The Role of Nigerian Land Surveyors”, Oguntoke warned that rapid urbanization is increasing pressure on housing, transport, energy, water supply and other critical infrastructure in Nigerian cities.

He explained that surveyors occupy a central position in modern urban development as they provide the spatial data needed for planning, resource management and efficient service delivery.

“Surveyors provide the fundamental 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 commitment from government, adequate funding and active public cooperation.

He identified poor urban planning, housing deficits, decaying infrastructure, environmental challenges and insecurity as the major constraints facing Nigerian cities.

The don also highlighted the challenges facing the surveying profession, including insecurity on project sites, the proliferation of quacks, weak land data systems and little public recognition.

In his goodwill message, the Chairman of the Ogun State Fellows Body, Olatunde Ayodele, urged the newly admitted fellows to contribute significantly to the growth of the profession.

Likewise, the President of the Nigerian Institute of Surveyors, Ogun State Branch, Abiodun Liadi, charged them to mentor younger professionals, provide leadership and uphold professional integrity.

Four inspectors were admitted into the event’s Fellows Corps. They include Haleemat Yusuf Oluwatoyin, Muritala Korede Lasisi, Michael Olubiyi Ogunkola and Akeem Adewale Lemboye.

One of the awardees, Oluwatoyin, described her rise as a major milestone and pledged to continue mentoring young people, especially girls, to pursue careers in surveying.

‘

Want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need advertising for a product, service or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com

We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Please donate any amount HERE