Surveying, mapping prerequisite to end corruption, insecurity in Nigeria — Fashola
By Ogaga Ariemu
The Minister of Works and Housing Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN has said strict adherence and enforcement of the rules on surveying and mapping is strategic to addressing security and corruption challenges confronting the nation.
Mr. Fashola stated this on Wednesday in Abuja at the collaboration meeting between Office of the Surveryor General of the Federal (OSGoF), Nigerian Armed Forces and other Security agencies on Implementation of Survey Coordination Act.
The minister who was represented by Director Cadestral OSGoF, Mrs Akerele Oluwatoyin said the collaboration will not only help in the fight against insecurity and enhance peaceful co-existence but it will promote development and good governance in the country.
“This issue has become increasingly important considering the developmental challenges that we face as a nation especially the prevailing insecurity that has bedeviled the country which is impeding economic activities nationwide.”
Meanwhile, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Mr. Abubakar Malami who was the special guest, represented at the event the director of Public Prosecution Mr. Yusuf Abdulkadir explained that the collaboration between security agencies and the OSGoF was important in dislodging the terrorists and other criminal elements in their respective locations.
“When your enemies know your geography more than you do, they have the advantage and leverage over you in the event of aggression,” he said.
“Note also that our national security is not only threatened from outside the borders of this nation but more so within our borders as the menace of kidnappers, bandits, cattle-rustlers etc, continues to challenge our collective security,” he said.
Earlier, the Surveyor General of the Federation Surv.(Dr.) Abuduganiyu Adeyemi said the review of the implementation of Survey Coordination Act will help the surveyors discharge their mandates in line with technological advances.
He disclosed that that the effective implementation of the Survey Co-ordination Act 1962 would garner orderly ways of engagement and a healthy system for the country.
“The implementation and review of Survey Coordinating Act will help curb corruption and restore orderliness across all strata of the country,” he said.
The guest lecturer at the event, Dr Joseph Ochogwu called for proper funding of professional bodies such as surveyors to help build a sustainable economy in the country.
He also made case for the review of Survey Coordinating Act to myriad of challenges facing the Country while calling for the collaboration of OSGOF with the security agencies to project and co-ordinate a cyber-smart survey interface that will give the security and defence agencies the necessary advantage in locating and displacing the miscreants easily through technological efficiency.
High-ranking personnel of the Nigerian Army, Navy, Immigration, Nigeria Security & Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) and other security agencies were present.
