The Federal Government has created the Department of Cartography and Geographic Information System (GIS) in the Office of the Surveyor-General of the Federation (OSGoF) for mass production of useful maps and Geo Spatial data to fast-track national reconstruction and socioeconomic development.
Acting surveyor-general of the Federation (SGoF), Taiwo S. Adeniran, disclosed this on the occasion of the 41st International Conference/Workshop and annual general meeting of Nigerian Cartographic Association (NCA) held at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in Kaduna, a statement issued by Michael Abu, head of press and public relations, said.
The acting SGoF, who was represented at the event by the director of Cartography, Emmanuel C. Nwakanma, said, “To give credence to the importance attached to the Cartography /Mapping profession in Nigeria, the Federal Government through the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation has created a Cartography and GIS Department in the OSGoF.”
He informed the conference that the director of the new department was a member of the NCA.
The best mapped countries are the most developed in the world and vice versa, he said, saying, “The world cannot boast of where it is today without the enormous contributions of Cartographers /Map Makers. It is indeed difficult to imagine how life would have been without Maps and Geo Information products. Proper planning and development is easier and faster by referring to maps. Consequently, the best mapped countries of the world are the most developed and vice versa.”
He commended the theme of the conference: “Digital Cartography and Geospatial Intelligence for National Security, Planning and Development,” describing the theme as apt, in view of the various challenges such as corruption, insecurity, environmental degradation, economic downturn, infrastructure deficit and unemployment, among others confronting the country.
According to Adeniran, OSGoF has been in collaboration with critical stakeholders for acquisition and production of requisite geospatial information that would enhance sustainable national development in line with the present administration’s Next Level Agenda (2019 – 2023).
He explained that the spates of advancements and innovations in science and technology had globally impacted positively on surveying and mapping, particularly in geodesy, photogrammetry, cartography, remote-sensing, hydrography and land surveying among many others, hence, the need for surveying and mapping professionals in the country to embrace global best practices.
He said the office would not relent in acquiring more state-of-the-art equipment and technologies to attain it constitutional statutory mandates.
OSGoF, as the nation’s apex mapping office that coordinates activities of surveying and mapping, would also partner constructively with all stakeholders in the areas of leadership, research, and policy and strategy formulation of better service delivery to the government and good people of Nigeria.
He therefore challenged professionals and stakeholders to identify key areas of the government’s Next Level Agenda and proffer recommendations for genuine progress, the statement said.
