The newly inaugurated President of the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors (NIS), Pius Eze, has called on members of the professional body to unite behind a bold vision of transformation, as he outlined an innovation-driven agenda aimed at repositioning the surveying profession in Nigeria.

Eze, who becomes the 24th president of the NIS, made the appeal during his inaugural address at the institution’s 59th Annual General Meeting and Conference held in Enugu on Saturday. Speaking to delegates from across the country, he stressed that the future of the profession depends on embracing cutting-edge technologies and strengthening the institution’s collective purpose.

“As I take on this mantle of leadership, I am fully aware that the surveying profession is at a pivotal moment,” Eze said. “Our nation’s rapid urbanisation, infrastructure growth, and technological evolution demand that we lead boldly and innovate relentlessly.”

He pledged to drive digital transformation in the profession through the adoption of geospatial data analytics, digital mapping, and other emerging technologies to enhance national planning and sustainable development.

Eze’s leadership agenda includes:

• Promoting professional excellence and integrity
• Empowering young surveyors and creating future-ready talent
• Advocating for the vital role of surveyors in development planning
• Strengthening collaboration between NIS and government institutions

“We will harness emerging technologies to transform how we survey, plan, and build our communities,” he added.

Eze also extended gratitude to Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State for his support and called on all members to rally around a shared vision of progress, grounded in unity and ethics.

“Our strength lies in unity, integrity, and a shared vision for a better Nigeria,” he told the gathering.

Surveying and Society: A Spiritual Perspective

In a lighter but reflective keynote address, Professor Christian Anieke, Vice Chancellor of Godfrey Okoye University, underscored the essential societal and even spiritual significance of the surveying profession.

“I don’t think any surveyor will go to hell,” Anieke said to laughter and applause. “The role you play in society is too important. Surveying has biblical and spiritual connotations. You are co-creators in the act of shaping society.”

He dismissed fears that artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing would replace surveyors, asserting that while AI is a powerful tool, human intuition and professional judgment remain irreplaceable.

“AI might transform how we work, but it cannot take away our work. Surveyors are still crucial in interpreting data and making informed decisions. Technology is a help, not a replacement,” he said.

A Profession at the Crossroads

Surveying has long played a foundational role in infrastructure development, environmental management, and land administration. However, challenges such as outdated practices, limited public awareness, and underutilisation of digital tools have hindered its growth.

With Nigeria undergoing rapid urban development and digital transformation, Eze’s presidency comes at a crucial time. His emphasis on innovation, professional unity, and youth inclusion signals a shift toward a more adaptive and future-focused NIS.

As the conference concluded, delegates expressed optimism about the institution’s future under Eze’s leadership, echoing his call for collaboration and resilience in navigating the evolving landscape of the surveying profession.