By Dele Ogbodo/Funmi Adams
The Surveyor General of the Federation (SGOF) Mr. Abudulganiyu Adebomehin, on Wednesday advocates for the creation of enforcement unit in his office to tackle encroachment of flood during housing development and other infrastructure across the country.
He made this remarks as Guest Speaker in a TV Breakfast Programme in Abuja, with the topic: Mapping a Brighter Future: Enhancing Nigeria’s Development Through Accurate Mapping.
Adebomehin, acknowledged that floodplains are where some people build their houses, despite warnings, which though may be historical or for cultural reason.
While bemoaning the lack of enforcement unit in his office, he added: “Now, talking about the enforcement unit, we need a whole lot of amendment to do
” Is there an Act or whatever by the National Assembly for them to see reason why we should be part of international best practice, because we are part and parcel government operations to bring about development to the country.
“The reason is you said you give warning this is the floodplain and people go to build.
“Do you have capacity to come up with a notice and say, no, what government wants to do in this area negates environmental details?
“Do you have capacity to stop people? And if not, why? What is the international best practice?
“For instance, we have what we call forest maps and when you talk about security, apart from the fact that we don’t carry guns, we don’t carry ammunition, anybody who fails to listen or abide by those maps we produce, will be by the Office’s Protection.
He acknowledged that OSGOF has the relevant information and data on where the flood plains are in Nigeria, however, when people encroach, there is no special power given to the office to enforce compliance, explaining that unless there is act of parliament through enforcement that could make his office to stop encroachment of flood plains in the country.
The Head, Information and Public Relations, Office of the Surveyor General of the Federation, Mr. Henry David, in a statement, quoted the SGOF as saying that the Office possesses accurate data and maps that identify flood-prone regions across the country. However, the absence of legislative support limits its capacity to enforce compliance.
“We have forest maps, environmental maps, and critical security-related geospatial data. But unlike security agencies, we do not carry arms or have legal backing to enforce map-based decisions. Anyone who ignores these maps effectively undermines national safety and planning.” he added.
Adebomehin, lamented the lack of consistent collaboration between OSGOF and some security agencies, stating that while some agencies recognize the Office’s role and consult accordingly, others overlook its relevance entirely.
“OSGOF is the only agency that truly understands and defines Nigeria’s geographic realities. Our data is sovereign and scientifically grounded. Yet, not all security stakeholders engage us before taking action on the field.”
