The Nigerian Institution of Surveyors (NIS) has called on the Federal Government to implement a nationwide digital land mapping programme across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas, saying the initiative could modernise land administration, improve investment inflows, and support economic development.

Speaking at the institution’s 60th Annual General Meeting and Conference in Kano, NIS President, Pius Chukwuemeka Eze, said Nigeria needs a comprehensive and unified digital cadastral system to unlock its full economic potential. He proposed a “one local government, one digital parcel map” initiative covering all parts of the country.

According to Eze, accurate geospatial information is essential for infrastructure development, agriculture, urban planning, environmental management, and national security. He noted that reliable mapping systems would help resolve land disputes, strengthen property registration processes, and improve revenue generation at all levels of government.

The surveyors’ body also stated that geospatial information has become increasingly important in today’s digital economy because development planning and investment decisions depend heavily on accurate spatial data. The institution maintained that surveyors possess the technical expertise required to execute the proposed digital mapping programme and called for stronger political support and funding to drive implementation.

Eze further urged governments to integrate surveying professionals more effectively into infrastructure planning and execution, arguing that better use of geospatial intelligence could improve decision-making and address several developmental challenges. He also advocated the completion of the National Cadastral Infrastructure and increased investment in surveying technology and capacity development.

The institution proposed the establishment of a zonal geospatial institute in Kano to train professionals in emerging technologies and strengthen the country’s geospatial capabilities. Stakeholders believe a nationwide digital land mapping system could significantly improve land governance, support economic planning, and attract greater investment into Nigeria’s property and infrastructure sectors.

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The Minister of  housing and Urban development, Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, has emphasized that continuous capacity building and stronger institutional collaboration are essential for improving surveying practices and land governance in Nigeria.

Dangiwa made this known while receiving the leadership of the during a courtesy visit to his office.

Training Key to Professional Standards

The minister stated that structured training and professional development programmes are necessary to equip surveyors, particularly young professionals, with the skills required to strengthen the sector.

According to him, capacity building remains the most sustainable way to promote professionalism and improve standards in surveying and mapping.

“Capacity building is the only way to properly develop young professionals and raise our standards and best practices,” he said.

Ministry Faces Workforce Gap

Dangiwa also disclosed that the ministry is currently experiencing a significant manpower shortage following a wave of retirements.

He revealed that over 1,000 staff members have retired within the last two years, creating the need for stronger collaboration with professional institutions for mentorship, training, and knowledge transfer.

He added that the ministry hosts a large number of surveyors and provides oversight for several professional bodies involved in land administration and geospatial services.

Surveying Key to Housing and Urban Development

The minister explained that the ministry’s core mandates—housing development, land administration, and urban planning—are closely linked to surveying and geospatial data services.

He also noted that a branch of the operates within the ministry through its cadastral department, highlighting the institutional relationship between government and surveying professionals.

Surveyors Seek Stronger Collaboration

Earlier, the Chairman of the Board of Fellows of the , , said the visit was aimed at strengthening cooperation between the institution and the ministry.

He identified several areas for collaboration, including:

• Capacity building and professional training
• Institutional cooperation on policy implementation
• Geoinformatics and geospatial technology for land administration
• Strengthening national geospatial data systems
• Improving professional standards in surveying and mapping

Minister Honoured by Surveyors

During the meeting, the institution also announced the conferment of the Honorary Fellow of the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors on in recognition of his contributions to housing and urban development.

The investiture ceremony is scheduled to take place on April 30, 2026.

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