Speedy adoption of geospatial tech crucial to end food scarcity in Nigeria —Fashola, SGoF
By Ogaga Ariemu
Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, SAN, Acting Surveyor General of the Federation (SGoF), Surv Abduganiyu Adebomehin have called for the speedy adoption of geospatial technologies to end food scarcity, ensure agricultural sustainability and boost economic development in Nigeria.
This call was made at the opening ceremony of 2021 Survey Coordination Conference and Meeting of Adversory Board on Survey Training held on Tuesday in Abuja.
Speaking during the conference themed, ‘Geospatial Approach to harness Agro Planning and food Sustainability for Economic Development’, Fashola represented by the Director Cathedral Office of Surveyor General of the Federation(OSGoF) under the Ministry of Works and House, Surv Akeenrele Oluwatoyin emphasised that applying geospatial technology in agriculture is important to boost food sufficiency and security in Nigeria.
According to him, “It means that for us to achieve food sufficiency and security, there is urgent need of applying geospatial inputs into our agricultural system, hence the incumbent admistration is paying diligence to agriculture as part of efforts in achieving the diversification of the economy; the plan is to help in redirecting the country from the unhealthy path of mono-economy.”
He added that geospatial technology is not only useful in the agriculture industry but it cuts across all sectors in dire need of economic advacement and growth.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Acting Surveyor General of the Federation (SGoF), Surv Abduganiyu Adebomehin reinterated that geospatial techniques are vital to unlocking the land, assessing and improving the soil for sustainable food production and security.
He explained that there is need for the country to move away from crude method of farming to a modern means chanpioned on innovation, technologies.
He disclosed that the Office of Surveyor General of Federation (OSGoF), is ready to migrate from Nigeria Natiobal Origin(NNO) to the World Geodetic System(WGS) 84-International Terrestrial Reference Frame(ITRF) 2014 for mapping to acheive best practice in the geospatial world.
“With the understanding of the Presidency, efforts are being made to revamp the High Pertomance Data Centre of the Office. Once this comes through, Our geospatial products and services can be easily accessed from anywhere, and the Government can be assured of good revenue generation.
“I am glad to announce the readiness of OSGOF to migrate from the Nigeria Natonal Origin (NNO) to the World Geodetic System (WGS) 84-International Terrestrial Reference Frame (TRF) 2014 to achieve best practices in the geospatial world.
It means that as from 2022, all maps wil be produced based on the WGS 84-1TRF 2014.
“We therefore appeal to all states in the country to also migrate for us to have a common reference piont and avoid the burdens of conversions to align with International Best Practices,” Adebomehin stated.
Meanwhile, the Special Guest, Air Commodore Aikhomo Victor, rtd in his remarks noted that OsGOF has embraced private sector collaboration as a means of achieving quantum leaps in productivity and project design and execution.
The two-days conference which ended on Wednesday has availed Surveyors the opportunity to brainstorm on how geospatial technologies is used in tackling the agricultural and economic challenges facing Nigeria.
