The Nigerian Institution of Surveyors (NIS) has renewed its drive to advance excellence and innovation in the surveying profession. It is advocating for the creation of a dedicated Ministry of Surveying and Geoinformatics. This aims to enhance the profession’s visibility, relevance, and institutional strength at the national level.
The President of the Institution, Pius Chukwuemeka Eze, made this call on Thursday during the 43rd Olumide Memorial Lecture held in Abuja.
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NIS President Unveils Seven-Point Reform Agenda
Eze outlined a seven-point strategic agenda aimed at repositioning the NIS for greater national and professional impact. According to him, the agenda focuses on digital transformation of the national secretariat. It also emphasizes strengthened public relations and advocacy. Additionally, it includes the revitalisation of the Survey Coordination Act. This Act is to reflect advancements in GIS and engineering-related works.
Other priorities include promoting a culture that rewards professional excellence, implementing comprehensive youth and members’ welfare programmes, executing key institutional building projects, and sustaining advocacy for the establishment of a Ministry of Surveying and Geoinformatics.
Expansion of NIS Professional Clusters
The NIS President also revealed plans to broaden the Institution’s structure to fully integrate all professional clusters under its mandate. These include Engineering and Mining Surveying, Hydrography and Offshore Surveying, Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and GIS, Geodesy, Archaeological Surveying. They also include Oil and Gas Exploration, and Cadastral Surveys.
Eze explained that this restructuring would encourage deeper knowledge sharing and continuous professional development. It would also foster higher ethical standards. The plan aims for stronger collective advocacy across the diverse fields within the surveying profession.
He challenged surveyors and allied professionals to embrace their role in national development, stressing that their expertise forms the “bedrock of any meaningful and sustainable development.”
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Utomi Calls for Values-Driven Nation-Building
In his keynote remarks, Professor Patrick Utomi, a political economy scholar and management expert, urged Nigerians—particularly professionals—to take personal responsibility for rebuilding the nation. He emphasised that genuine leadership renewal begins with individual character and values. Moreover, it includes civic responsibility.
Utomi warned that the country risks stagnation as many citizens drift from responsible citizenship toward tribalism and narrow self-interest, a trend he said fuels corruption, division, and underdevelopment.
“The challenge we face as a people is that we have stopped thinking. A nation’s transformation does not begin with money or power but with values, reasoning, and responsibility. Retrieving people from the comfort of ignorance and tribalism is the true work of leadership,” he said.
He added that professionals must rise above ethnic or personal loyalties and act as change agents, insisting that Nigeria’s future depends on citizens guided by integrity and a shared national vision.
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FIRS Explains New Tax Reform Regime Effective 2026
Also speaking at the event, Michael Olufemi Olarinde, Special Adviser on Tax Policy to the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), presented an overview of Nigeria’s new tax reform framework. It is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026.
Representing the FIRS Executive Chairman, Zacch Adedeji, Olarinde explained that the reform is built around four key tax laws. These laws are designed to modernise tax administration. They aim to simplify compliance and align Nigeria’s tax system with digital realities and global best practices.
Addressing Digital and Cloud-Based Taxation
Olarinde noted that the reforms directly address emerging challenges such as digital taxation. This ensures that businesses operating in the digital and cloud economy fall within Nigeria’s tax net.
“Today, someone can be earning income from a cloud-based platform without a physical location. The new reforms bring our laws to this reality, ensuring fair taxation in a digital economy,” he said.
He further explained that the framework would harmonise multiple tax laws—including corporate income tax, capital gains tax, VAT, and stamp duties—into a single, streamlined system. This aims to ease compliance for individuals and businesses.
“Taxation should not be a burden. It should be a consequence of prosperity. The reforms are data-driven, transparent, and designed to encourage voluntary compliance.”
Professionals Urged to Prepare for Transition
Olarinde advised professionals, particularly those in the built environment, to proactively prepare for the reforms by maintaining accurate financial records, reviewing project cost structures, and consulting tax experts.
“Readiness is the next step for professionals. These reforms demand strategic adaptation to protect businesses, enhance compliance, and harness the benefits of a simplified, data-driven tax system,” he concluded.
