During the meeting, the Surveyor General welcomed the NTDA delegation and highlighted the longstanding history of the OSGF, describing it as one of Nigeria’s oldest public institutions with origins that predate 1908. He also discussed the demanding nature of the surveying profession, which requires extensive fieldwork across difficult terrains and increasingly relies on technology, while still depending on professional expertise to ensure precision.
Mr. Adebomehin pointed out the expanding economic opportunities in Nigeria’s tourism sector and stressed the critical role of mapping and wayfinding in tourism development. He shared a personal experience from his first international trip, noting that accurate and accessible maps improved navigation and boosted confidence as a visitor.
He also noted that the OSGF holds valuable geospatial data, including street guide maps, which could be effectively utilised to support tourism growth across the country. The Surveyor General expressed readiness to collaborate with NTDA on the development of digital mapping solutions aimed at improving access to tourism destinations and enhancing visitor experience.
He emphasised the need for reliable, locally developed mapping platforms to complement existing global tools, which he said are not always fully accurate. He also mentioned ongoing efforts to map and support tourism sites, including coastal and leisure destinations.
In response, NTDA Director General, Mr. Ola Awakan, thanked the Surveyor General for the reception and acknowledged the historical significance of the OSGF. He described tourism as a major economic driver with a broad value chain, noting that the sector’s growth is closely linked to surveying due to its reliance on movement, navigation, and spatial planning.
Mr. Awakan reiterated NTDA’s role as the apex regulator of tourism in Nigeria, responsible for developing tourism destinations and promoting the country’s cultural and natural assets to both domestic and international audiences. He underscored the importance of leveraging technology, digital platforms, and innovation to raise the visibility of Nigeria’s tourism potential, citing ongoing collaboration with state governments, including recent engagements in Katsina State.
The renewed partnership signals a strategic push to integrate geospatial data and digital mapping into Nigeria’s tourism development framework, aimed at improving destination accessibility and enhancing the overall visitor experience.