Surveyors urge FG to produce infrastructural development maps

The Nigerian Institution of Surveyors, (NIS) has called on the Federal Government to produce maps that will illustrate the infrastructural development pattern across the country.

The President, NIS, Charlesye Charles, who made statement at the just concluded 55th annual general meeting of the institution in Abuja, said such a map would reveal the infrastructural gaps that should be filled.

Charles said, “Yes, so much has been achieved but as hinted earlier, so much more still needs to be done. It helps when we have maps showing us our development growth pattern and the gaps that require filling.

“There must be a connection in the growth of our rail and road infrastructure, their connection to the markets, power and health; and how they all coalesce to promoting the growth of the economy, our society, national security and the environment.”

He explained that the NIS had repeatedly strived to bring the value and relevance of the profession to the country and as the institution invited the government, private sector and the public to increase their partnership with surveyors.

The NIS president hinted that Nigeria has a large stock of qualified and experienced surveying, geomatics and spatial information managers to help government drive its policies and programmes to successful conclusions.

He added that no meaningful or sustainable development could be achieved without the input and involvement of surveyors.

Charles urged the three tiers of government to upgrade, equip and provide appropriate materials in the various offices of surveyors-general.

In his words: They are meant to be the main point of surveying and mapping information. They are supposed to be advisers to the various units on all development matters that are necessarily land based.”