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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The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, has disclosed that more than 1,000 officials of the ministry retired within the last two years, creating what he described as a significant human resource gap.

Dangiwa made the revelation on Thursday while receiving the chairman and members of the Board of Fellows of the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors during a courtesy visit to his office in Abuja.

The minister acknowledged that the wave of retirements has impacted the ministry’s workforce capacity, noting that urgent steps are required to strengthen institutional manpower and sustain ongoing housing and urban development reforms.

Human Resource Challenge

According to Dangiwa, the large-scale retirements have left noticeable vacancies across key departments, including technical units responsible for land administration, surveying and geospatial services.

He said the ministry is actively exploring partnerships and structured professional development initiatives to address the gap and build a stronger pipeline of skilled personnel.

“The ministry is currently experiencing a significant human resource gap due to large-scale retirements over the past two years,” Dangiwa said. “We must focus on capacity building to ensure continuity, professionalism and institutional efficiency.”

Industry observers note that Nigeria’s public sector has in recent years experienced waves of retirements due to age and service-year limits, often creating temporary capacity shortages in specialised ministries.

Partnership With Surveyors

The minister stated that the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development is prepared to deepen collaboration with the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors to develop structured training programmes tailored to the ministry’s operational needs.

He emphasised that capacity building remains the most sustainable mechanism for institutional strengthening and professional excellence, particularly for young surveyors entering the public sector.

“Capacity building is the only way to properly develop the young professionals coming on board and raise our standards and best practices,” he said. “It is critical to promote professionalism in surveying and mapping and ensure sustainable development across the country.”

Dangiwa noted that the ministry houses a substantial number of surveyors and also provides government oversight to relevant professional bodies within the built environment sector.

Role of Surveying in Housing Development

Highlighting the strategic importance of surveying, the minister explained that the core mandates of the ministry are closely linked to land administration and geospatial services.

He stressed that effective land governance, urban planning and housing development cannot be achieved without strong collaboration between policymakers and land professionals.

“Effective land administration cannot be achieved without close collaboration with surveyors and other land professionals within the ministry,” Dangiwa stated.

He further pointed out that a branch of the Office of the Surveyor-General operates within the ministry under its Cadastral Department, reinforcing the institutional linkage between surveying professionals and housing authorities.

Experts say accurate cadastral records and reliable geospatial data are fundamental to reducing land disputes, improving urban planning and enhancing investor confidence in Nigeria’s housing sector.

Institutional Reforms and Infrastructure Expansion

The minister described the existing relationship between the ministry and the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors as “strong and evolving,” adding that it must be strengthened further to support ongoing reforms and infrastructure expansion.

He linked the ministry’s reform agenda to broader national development goals, including modernising land systems, improving housing delivery and expanding infrastructure access.

Dangiwa reiterated that strengthening the construction and land management workforce is essential for meeting Nigeria’s growing housing demand and ensuring sustainable urban development.

Surveyors Seek Deeper Cooperation

Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman of the Board of Fellows of the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors, Surveyor Alabo Charlesye David Charles, said the visit aimed to enhance institutional cooperation and explore strategic areas of mutual interest.

He identified key areas for collaboration, including the development of tailored training programmes aligned with the ministry’s operational priorities and professional standards.

Charles noted that closer engagement between professional bodies and government institutions would improve service delivery and promote best practices across the surveying profession.

Outlook

As Nigeria continues to pursue ambitious housing and urban renewal programmes, stakeholders say addressing workforce shortages will be critical to sustaining progress.

With over 1,000 officials retired in two years, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development now faces the dual challenge of maintaining operational efficiency while building the next generation of skilled professionals.

Dangiwa maintained that structured capacity development, certification standards and strategic partnerships will play a central role in closing the human resource gap and strengthening the institutional framework required to deliver affordable housing and sustainable cities nationwide.

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The Surveyor-General of the Federation, Abudulganiyu Adebomehin, has announced a crackdown on illegal shoreline structures in Nigeria. All such buildings will be demolished.

In a statement issued by the Head of Information and Public Relations, Henry David, Adebomehin explained that the Office of the Surveyor-General of the Federation (OSGOF) now operates under the Presidency. He said this move gives the office more powers and responsibilities in managing Nigeria’s shoreline areas.

The Surveyor-General directed that all applications for Certificates of Occupancy, permits, and survey plans along shorelines be suspended. “These requests will remain on hold until they are reviewed and approved by OSGOF,” he said.

He also ordered the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to submit all past shoreline-related approvals to his office. In addition, he warned that any documents already submitted to other agencies must now be redirected to OSGOF.

Adebomehin criticized some state governments for allocating shoreline land without OSGOF’s involvement. He stressed that such actions go against the law. “The enforcement unit will demolish any illegal structure within the shoreline right of way. This is an executive order. It complies with the Law of the Sea,” he stated. He also emphasized that OSGOF holds the official maps required for shoreline management.

The Surveyor-General praised the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors (NIS) and the Association of Private Practising Surveyors of Nigeria (APPSN) for supporting the profession. He assured them of continuous collaboration.

During the visit, NIS Surveyor-General Folakemi Odunewu congratulated Adebomehin on OSGOF’s transition to the Presidency. She presented the institution’s seven-point agenda, which includes digital transformation of the National Secretariat, stronger public relations and advocacy, broader engagement with stakeholders, review of the Survey Coordination Act, development of professional excellence structures, and advocacy for a dedicated Ministry of Surveying and Geoinformatics.

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