Surveyors Raise Alarm Over Exclusion From Governance, Demand Strategic Role in Security, Infrastructure

Surveyors in Kwara State have decried what they described as the limited involvement of their profession in governance and policy formulation, calling on governments at all levels to urgently integrate surveyors into security planning, infrastructure development and decision-making processes.

The demand came during the 2026 Global Surveyors Day organised by the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors under the theme, “From Service Provider to Policy Influencer: Redefining the Role of Surveyors in Governance.” Chairperson of the branch, O.A. Lere, said surveying responsibilities extend far beyond boundary settlement, stressing that surveyors remain key players in land administration, development control and public policy support.

Chairman of the occasion, Yomi Bobadoye, urged practitioners to take bold and deliberate steps toward restoring the dignity of the profession, noting that surveyors must assert their relevance in national development conversations.

According to him, the profession occupies a critical position in urban planning, infrastructure expansion and land management, adding that excluding surveyors from governance weakens effective development planning.

Delivering the keynote address, Amuda-Yusuf Ganiyu of University of Ilorin called for stronger synergy between government and surveyors in tackling insecurity across the country.

He explained that surveyors possess vital spatial intelligence and technical data capable of supporting security mapping, territorial planning and crisis response.

Prof. Ganiyu also emphasised the need for experienced professionals to mentor younger practitioners in order to sustain competence and preserve institutional knowledge within the profession.

Guest lecturer, Haruna Abdullahi, said surveying practice in the state has moved from analogue methods to digital and real-time spatial intelligence.

He disclosed that plans were underway to establish a digital land registry in the state, adding that surveyors must be deliberately carried along in government policies and development strategies.

The event also featured presentation of awards to Prof. Ganiyu and Abdullahi for their contributions to the profession, alongside a student presentation contest involving University of Ilorin and Federal Polytechnic Offa students, highlighting emerging talents in surveying and geospatial sciences.

The two-day celebration began with a rally from the Kwara Geographic Information Service office through major parts of Ilorin, including Challenge, Post Office, Taiwo Road and Irewolede.

Saturday’s activities included free medical outreach for residents and technical sessions for professionals, reflecting the profession’s commitment to community service and capacity development.