AI Technology Can Help Nigeria’s Survey Profession, Settle Land Disputes – Experts

Godwin Ajom

Experts in tech have identified Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology as one of the fastest, credible and most professional way of improving and modernizing survey in Nigeria, amidst calls for it’s incorporation into the sector.

The call became expedient due to the dynamic and constant evolving nature of survey profession.

The experts under the umbrella of Association of Private Practicing Surveyors in Nigerian (APPSN) made the call during It’s 4th Quarter 2024 Annual General meeting held on Thursday in Calabar, Cross River State with the theme; “Enhancing the practice of surveying and mapping through Artificial intelligence-Assisted Technology.”

APPSN, a subgroup of the Nigerian Institute of Surveyors (NIS), said there is need for skills upgrade and adoption of the AI technology and professionalism for the advancements of the profession.

National President of the Association Surveyor Thomas Dobiri, intimated that the Association is partnering with some firms to help members acquire good equipment to catch up with new trends.

Dobiri noted that surveying is the bedrock of all development, but errors from quack and unqualified practitioners result in cases of building collapse which he said the group is fighting to overcome and resolve.

The event guest speaker, Surveyor Joel Igbokwe of the Department of Surveying and Geoinformatics, University of Calabar, said surveyors must migrate from analogue methods and adopt the use of Artificial intelligence to upgrade and advance the surveying practice in Nigeria.

He expressed optimism that the technology if employed could help in proper land planning, settle land and boundary disputes and avert communal clashes.