Nine (9) Reasons for OSGOF's Adoption of Drone Technology for Mapping Abuja

INTRO: The Office of the Surveyor-General of the Federation (OSGOF) has embarked on a groundbreaking initiative to map the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, using high-resolution drone technology. This development marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s technological evolution in geospatial management and supports its push toward smart cities and sustainable development. 

The reasons  for OSGOF's adoption of drone technology for mapping Abuja are:

1.    Accurate and High-Resolution Mapping:  OSGOF's use of drone technology allows the collection of thousands of high-quality images (approximately 17,000), producing highly detailed and accurate topographical maps. Such resolution is far superior to what traditional satellite imagery or manual mapping can provide.

2.    Enhanced Geospatial Data Management: According to the Surveyor-General, Abuduganiyu Adebomehin, the project is rooted in geospatial information management—critical for decision-making in modern governance, infrastructure planning, and resource allocation.

3.    Support for the Renewed Hope Agenda: The initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. It demonstrates how ministries and agencies are leveraging innovation to deliver strategic public services and meet national development goals.

4.    Search and Rescue Operations: One of the major benefits of drone mapping is its application in emergency response. The technology can help first responders quickly identify terrains and locations during search and rescue missions, particularly in disaster-prone or remote areas.

5.    Boost to National Security and Border Surveillance: With advanced mapping and digital twin technology, drones can aid in surveillance, monitor movements at airports and borders, and generally enhance national security architecture.

6.    Disaster Monitoring and Alert Systems: Drone-collected data can be used to build systems that predict or track disasters such as floods, wildfires, or building collapses. This proactive approach can help save lives and minimize damages.

7.    Improved Urban and Infrastructure Planning: Mapping data from drones supports efficient city planning, allowing authorities to manage land use, design transportation networks, and monitor building developments with precision.

8.    Facilitating Smart City Development: The drone project serves as the foundation for Nigeria’s smart city ambitions. Through digital twin technology—virtual models of physical infrastructures — urban planning and development can be simulated and improved digitally before physical implementation.

9.    Boost to Agriculture and Environmental Monitoring: Drone technology can enhance agricultural productivity by identifying land patterns, monitoring crops, and managing irrigation. It also supports environmental conservation efforts by tracking deforestation or pollution sources.