The Surveyor-General of the Federation, Surv. Abudulganiyu Adebomehin has sounded a note of warning to some States that are still allocating spaces within the shoreline contrary to the President’s directive.
Adebomehin disclosed this while briefing the Executive team of Nigerian Institution of Survyeors (NIS) and Association of Private Practising Surveyors of Nigeria [APPSN] Abuja branch who paid him a courtesy call on Wednesday.
The Surveyor General Office through the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu moved to the Presidency revealed that all requests for issuance of C of O’s, permits and survey plans along the shoreline should be put on hold pending the determination on merit for further processing.
He directed the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to collate and submit all approvals granted to any individuals or corporate business entity to his office and any documents earlier submitted to any organization or MDAS concerning his organization should be redirected to his office.
Adebomehim said further there are still some MDAS duplicating the roles and functions of his office despite the public pronouncement that the organization has been moved to Presidency for proper oversight and also sounded a note of warning to some States over allocation of shoreline.
He said, “The enforcement unit will demolish anything within the right of way (ROW), is an executive order, FG doesn’t want any unapproved allocation around the shoreline subject to the -law of the sea and there is a strong commitment to let everyone be aware of this, because OSGOF has the map right map.”
While commenting on the movement of OSGOF to Presidency, NIS President, Surv Chief PC Eze said, “I would like to express our sincere appreciation for your tireless efforts in advancing the surveying profession in Nigeria.
“It is a pleasure to meet you in person and discuss with you ways we can work together to promote our shared goal. The entire school, they are desirous of seeing you, thanking you and having handshake. So, at this juncture, we’re cooperating with you. This is what we have been praying for, and it is on ground now.”
He added, “we have, APPSN, NIS and OSGOF, let there be a synergy, so that we can achieve so many things that have been eluding us in the past. I want to say, you are very energetic. So, really, we are moving better now. And the tripod is set with iron protector at the tip of the legs. So, it cannot wither away.“
Presenting their demand to SGOF, the NIS Secretary–General, Folakemi Odunewu said, “We’re excited about this visit and I will read out what we’re looking forward to doing with your office. So it’s courtesy visit and gratitude for transfer of office to the Presidency..
“We have a seven point agenda; “digital transformation of National Secretariat, Public Relations, advocacy and extension to other relevant stakeholders, Survey Coordination Act re-agitation.
“Also, develop additional structure of awarding professional excellence among NIS members, comprehensive use and focusing on our core projects and pushing for the establishment of the Ministry of Surveying and Geoinformatics.“
As contained in a statement released the Surveyor-General’s office revealed that all issues raised above were deliberated upon extensively by all the stakeholders who were at the meeting.
