The traditional ruler of Ezineri Mgbidi Autonomous Community in the Awgu local government area of Enugu State, HRH, Major (Rtd.) OAU Uhalla, has emphasised that surveyors in Nigeria can play a crucial role in combating terrorism, kidnapping, banditry, and other crimes in the country.
Igwe Uhalla made this statement in Enugu on Thursday, 20th February 2025, during the 3rd Annual Conference of the Association of Private Practising Surveyors of Nigeria (APPSN), a subgroup of the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors (NIS).
As the keynote speaker at the conference, themed ‘Geospatial Mapping for Adequate National Security Response’, he stated that surveyors possess the skills to provide accurate and timely geographic information essential for enhancing security measures.
“Surveyors can assist in mapping out areas frequented by kidnappers, and the information obtained can be utilised by security agencies to bolster surveillance and patrol efforts in these regions.”
He further noted that surveyors are instrumental in planning and securing infrastructures such as roads, buildings, pipelines, and communication networks that are vulnerable to attacks or destruction.
In his remarks, the president of the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors, Surv. Dr. Mathew Ibitoye, praised APPSN as one of the most organised groups within the Institute.
Cross-section of participants at the conference
He highlighted that as practising surveyors, APPSN members “are at the forefront of providing accurate and timely geospatial data vital for both national development and security.”
Surv. Ibitoye encouraged members of the Association to continually embrace technological advancements, collaborate with security agencies, and enhance their contributions to national growth.
Earlier at the event, the National Chairman of APPSN, Surv. Dabiri Thomas, expressed that the conference is a testament to their commitment made at the inaugural edition in Lagos to establish the event as an annual programme to “build greater capacity for our profession.”
The Chairman added that this year’s theme, ‘Geospatial Mapping for Adequate National Security Response’, “is particularly relevant given the security challenges facing states and the country as a whole.”
Surv. Dabiri extended his gratitude to the National Organising Committee (NOC) and Local Organising Committee (LOC) for their efforts in organising the event.
The chairman of the APPSN Enugu branch and Chief Host of the conference, Surv. (Sir) Sunday Ezeh, in his welcome address, described this year’s theme as “reflecting the urgent and critical role of our profession in addressing national security—one of the most pressing issues of our time.”
Ezeh added that “Surveyors are the unseen guardians of strategic intelligence. Our work underpins the data that shapes decisions, policies, and actions aimed at safeguarding lives, protecting resources, and ensuring the territorial integrity of our great nation.”
“As private practitioners, we are uniquely positioned to drive innovation in geospatial technologies, leveraging tools such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Remote Sensing, and Satellite Imagery to provide actionable insights. Through collaboration with government agencies, security forces, and other stakeholders, we can ensure that our expertise contributes to a safer and more secure Nigeria,” Ezeh concluded.
