The Nigerian government is harnessing geospatial technology to combat revenue leakages and streamline governance, according to Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology. During the 21st Annual General Assembly/Conference and GIS Day in Abuja, Nnaji highlighted how the use of geospatial tools has helped identify and eliminate revenue blockages, streamline tax collection, and manage resources more effectively.
“The president has mainstreamed geospatial technologies into blocking revenue leakages and creating new revenue streams,” Nnaji stated. Additionally, the government has approved four new satellites for Nigeria to further strengthen these efforts.
Geospatial technologies, which involve tools for capturing, analyzing, and displaying geographically referenced data, are considered essential for addressing key national challenges. Nnaji emphasized that these technologies play a crucial role in sectors like urban planning, agriculture, disaster management, and infrastructure development.
At the event, representatives of the Geoinformation Society of Nigeria, including President Fitka Bilshakka, urged Nigerian universities to incorporate geospatial science into their curriculums to inspire the next generation. Bilshakka stressed that geospatial technology is vital to addressing Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges, ranging from security to environmental issues.
The Chairman of the National Population Commission, Nasir Kwarra, also underscored the importance of geospatial data in national planning, noting its transformative potential in addressing the country’s pressing challenges. He emphasized that accurate demographic and geospatial data are critical for driving sustainable development.
This commitment to geospatial technology aligns with Nigeria’s broader goals of enhancing governance, economic growth, and national development through innovation.
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