By Obiabin Onukwugha
The Rivers State government has called for adequate protection of green areas, marine protected areas, and forests during oil exploration surveys.
This comes as the governor also raised an alarm over a ‘Federal Certificate of Occupancy,’ allegedly produced by the Office of the Surveyor-General of the Federation, saying it poses threat to State and runs contrary to Section 1 of the Land Use Act Cap L5 LFN 2004, which vests all land in a state in the governor of the state as trustee.
The governor spoke at the 4th Annual National Conference/Retreat of the Association of Private Practising Surveyors of Nigeria (APPSN), a subgroup of the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors (NIS), with the theme: “Mapping the Future: the Vital Roles of Surveyors in Nigeria’s Oil and Gas Industry”,. in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Thursday,.
He emphasised the importance of “Protection of the environment in planning, by considering Green Areas, creation of Marine Protection Areas, and protecting and preserving forests during oil exploration surveys by minimizing the physical footprint of seismic operations, employing “green” technologies, and, conducting thorough Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAS), and implementing rapid restoration of affected areas.”
The governor, who was represented by the Secretary to State Government, Dr. Benebo Anabraba, said the theme of the conference, “Mapping the Future: The Vital Roles of Surveyors in the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry,” is important because Rivers State is a major hub for oil refining, exploration, and production.
“The input of surveyors in providing the precise and identifiable sites and pathways by a scientific process of determining the relative positions of points on, above, or beneath the Earth’s surface through precise measurement of distances, angles, and elevations, and the collation of the information as data to produce survey plans, maps, and spatial records.”
”The threat to land ownership and title in Rivers State by the production and issuance of “Federal Certificate of Occupancy”allegedly issued by the Officrce of the Surveyor- General of the Federation and Other affiliated Federal MDAS, to claim land and waterways in Rivers State is contrary to Section 1 of the Land Use Act Cap L5 LFN 2004 which vests all land in a State in the Governor of the State as Trustee,” he said.
Fubara however commended the APPSN’s choice of Port Harcourt as venue for its 4th annual conference, describing it as an affirmation of the fact that Rivers State is peaceful, welcoming and a destination for investment and collaboration, as the hub of the oil and gas industry in Nigeria, and indeed the West African sub-region.
He pointed out that the role of surveyors in governance is pivotal to the growth, development, and peace and order of a society, particularly as it concerns land use and management, provision of infrastructure, environmental management, and conflict resolution.
“Therefore, whatever is done in furtherance of these activities, such as the acquisition of Rights of Way and seismic operations, will impact either positively or negatively on the peace and development of the state,” he stated.
In his address, Chairman of APPSN in Rivers State, Surveyor Andy Nwikinane, stated that without accurate geopatial data, reliable mapping systems, hydrographic surveys, engineering positioning, and land administration frameworks, the oil and gas industry cannot function effectively or sustainably.
He pointed out that in upstream operations, surveyors support self-management while positioning offshore platforms, installations, and pipeline routes.
“In mainstream and downstream sectors, we ensure precise alignment of pipelines, tank pumps, refineries, and distribution networks. Our contributions reduce risks, enhance safety, improve cost efficiency, and ensure regulatory compliance.
“Furthermore, in this era of digital transformation, surveyors are embracing emerging technologies, such as geographic information systems, remote sensing, drone mapping, LIDAR, and real-time GPS positioning, and digital mapping. These innovations are defining how assets are being managed and monitored in the oil and gas industry,” he staid.
Nwikinane highlighted the theme of the conference, saying as the industry evolves in response to technological advances, regulatory reforms, environmental concerns, and global energy transitions, the role of a professional surveyor has become more indisputable.
He said: “From up-to-exploration activities, to down-to-distribution networks, and the next generation, surveyors provide the special intelligence required for cleaning, design, construction, monitoring, and asset management. “Our contributions reduce risks, enhance safety, improve cost efficiency, and ensure regulatory compliance.
“Furthermore, in this era of digital transformation, surveyors are embracing emerging technologies, such as geographic information systems, remote sensing, drone mapping, LIDAR, and real-time GPS positioning, and digital mapping. These innovations are defining how assets are being managed and monitored in the oil and gas industry.”
He added that as professionals, surveyors “must continue to fuel the capacity and strengthen collaborations with engineers, environmental scientists, policy makers, and innovators of the oil and gas industry to still remain relevant in this rapidly changing energy landscape, knowing that there are emerging technologies.”
Also, the National Chairman of APPSN, Simepreye Elliot Godwin Kalio, said the association, as a Subgroup of NIS is “strategieally and divinely positioned to play unique complementary roles with other subgroups in the affairs and activities of the mother body, NIS.”
He added that such complementing roles “are vital for the survival of our surveying profession.”
Earlier President of the Nigrian Institution of Surveyors (NIS), Pius Eze, who declared the conference open, urged participants to use the opportunity for professional upgrading and networking.
