Nigeria’s Bold Stride into the World of Geospatial Excellence

Imagine sitting in a room echoing with debates, discussions, and crackling excitement about Nigeria’s leap into advanced geospatial technology. On a Thursday described as a monumental day at a ‘one-day workshop on the use cases for exceptionally high-resolution drone images and street view data,’ the stage was set for the Surveyor-General of the Federation, Abdulganiyu Adebomehin, to share Nigeria’s ambitious journey into the technological future of smart cities.

“When you talk about smart cities and you don’t have what you want to showcase now, then there’s no way you can talk about smart cities because you must have that information at a very large scale, two-centimeter imagery or less,” Adebomehin explained with a determined expression, underlining the necessity of detailed geographical information.

Nigeria’s mission is clear: To pivot towards a future where the pulse of modern cities is driven by high-tech mapping and data. Who would have thought a country with such rich history would be championing cutting-edge technology? Yet, here we are, turning aspirations into reality. With approvals granted for mapping 20 out of the proposed 35 blocks, Nigeria’s progress is undeniable.

According to Punch, the Surveyor-General stated with a hint of satisfaction, “For the past four days, we paused because we still have about five blocks to go through. But having successfully covered about 20 out of the 35 we were given approval to do, we decided that we should start the process in earnest.”

Technology is, without a doubt, a double-edged sword, especially in modern warfare. Adebomehin told a poignant story. “We all know what you can do with a drone nowadays; those in the military will tell you when you say I have 17,000 in the army, the 17,000 can perish in less than one second using a drone,” he mused, illustrating the immense power and potential dangers of such advancements.

This brings to mind a simple yet profound question: Are we prepared for the realities of such transformative technology? As Adebomehin emphasized, “When we say this is the first of its kind in Africa, a lot of people say this is not true, and I bet there’s no way you can get it in Africa.” It’s a necessary reminder of how critical it is to lead or risk being left in the shadows.

In another corner of the workshop, a fascinating discussion unfolded on geospatial technology’s impact on urbanization. Azeez Olaniyi, the Head of the Department of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing, shared insights by alluding to South Korea. Are we perceptive enough to see the opportunities that geospatial innovations can offer urban development?

Olaniyi elaborated, “We have an agency called Border Community Development, BCDE, which has our office unit there. And I want to believe they are working in collaboration with Nigerian Immigration Services,” highlighting the integration of geospatial tools beyond city limits.

Digital twins, often a concept applied to thriving metropolises, are now seen as a pivotal part of enhancing border management. The possibilities of such technology are boundless, waiting to be harnessed for Nigeria’s rapid modernization.

A natural quiver of anticipation surrounds these developments. Are we mere spectators, or do we partake in this digital renaissance? It is these advances, often enveloped in complexity, that challenge our perceptions and demand our engagement.

As we wrap our heads around these visionary discussions, consider the journey Nigeria is embarking upon. A nation not just cloaked in historical grandeur but stepping with unyielding determination into an era where technology and human ingenuity converge. Nigeria is crafting a narrative, and perhaps it’s time for us all to listen—and learn.

Edited By Ali Musa, Axadle Times International–Monitoring