By Jabiru Hassan, Kano
The Honourable Minister of State for the Federal Ministry of Works, Muhammad Bello Goronyo, Esq., has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting the Office of the Surveyor General of the Federation (OSGoF). This pledge aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
The Minister made this declaration on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, during a familiarization tour of the agency. He emphasized the pivotal role of the OSGoF in national economic and social development, describing the visit as an opportunity to gain firsthand knowledge of its operations.
Enhancing Modernization and Efficiency
Highlighting the importance of accurate data, Goronyo noted:
“You cannot achieve your desired goal without having accurate data. This Office has been operational for over 100 years, but advancements in technology mean many of its tools have become obsolete.”
He stressed the need to modernize the agency’s equipment to enhance its efficiency, as many Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) depend on OSGoF for optimal performance.
Commending the office’s resilience despite challenges such as insufficient funding, the Minister pledged to address resource gaps, improve staff welfare, and explore the provision of additional Active Control Points (COPS) to support its core mandates.
Collaboration and Commitment
During the visit, Goronyo expressed appreciation for the agency’s contributions and assured continued collaboration:
“I am glad to be here. I thank the Office of the Surveyor General for the warm reception, and we will continue to engage and collaborate for fruitful outcomes.”
Surveyor General Outlines Achievements and Challenges
Earlier, the Surveyor General of the Federation, Surv. Abdulganiyu Adebomehin, FNIS, welcomed the Minister, highlighting the agency’s constitutional recognition and its vital role in providing geospatial data and mapping services for national development.
Adebomehin enumerated the agency’s responsibilities, which include:
- Producing map products for government and public use.
- Conducting geospatial data management in collaboration with development partners.
- Creating and maintaining a national repository for trigonometrical, cadastral, topographical, and hydrographic data.
- Supporting MDAs with mapping and geospatial information.
Despite its achievements, the Surveyor General identified key challenges, such as inadequate funding, limited office space, aging staff, insufficient field vehicles, and the need for more Active Control Points. He called for collaboration and investment to harness geospatial data for decision-making and national growth.
Facility Tour and Future Prospects
The Minister toured the agency’s facilities, where Adebomehin revealed that the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) had allocated land for expanding office space. He noted that while some equipment at the Center for Control and Analysis is new, it remains insufficient for the agency’s needs.
Responding to questions from correspondents, Goronyo lauded the agency’s efforts, emphasizing the critical role of data in achieving national development objectives, including mapping, food security, and combating insecurity.
The visit underscores the government’s commitment to strengthening OSGoF’s capacity to fulfill its mandates and contribute to the nation’s progress.
