Surveyors, gathering in the headquarters of the hydrocarbon industry, have reminded Nigerians that their work is the foundation of the oil and gas discovery and exploitation.
Pius Chukwuemeka Eze, president of the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors which was formed about 1934, also reminded Nigerians that the Nigerian oil and gas industry is the lifeblood of the nation’s revenue.
Eze spoke at the opening ceremony of the fourth edition of the national conference & retreat of the Association of Private Practising Surveyors of Nigeria (APPSN), a major subgroup of the NIS.
Eze said despite all this, many persons outside the survey profession do not realize that no oil is found, no pipeline is laid, and no platform is anchored without the surveyor’s input.
In the upstream sector, he went on, “Our roles in seismic data acquisition, well-site positioning, and bathymetric surveys for offshore exploration are the foundations of the discovery and exploration of Oil and Gas.
“In the midstream and downstream sectors, the surveyor ensures the integrity of the vast network of pipelines that crisscross our terrain, utilizing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing to monitor right-of-way and prevent environmental catastrophes.”
The professional surveyor said the terrain was shifting with the advent of technology, closing skill sets, and a global push for energy transition. “We must stay ahead of the curve to enhance our capacity and explore emerging technologies.”
He urged all members to embrace continuous professional development and uphold the highest ethical standards in order to remain ahead.
The NIS boss said surveyors may have much work yet to do but but said they also have much to celebrate for the journey so far. “This is because the future of surveying in Nigeria is bright, and it is being shaped by the hands of the men and women in this room.”
He said he was delighted and honored to stand before the distinguished assembly in the “Garden City” of Port Harcourt—the heartbeat of Nigeria’s hydrocarbon industry—“As we officially commence the 4th National Conference and Delegates Meeting of the Association of Private Practicing Surveyors of Nigeria (APPSN).
“Port Harcourt is not merely a host city; it is a living classroom for the very theme we have gathered to discuss. I must begin by offering my heartiest congratulations to the leadership of APPSN. Reaching this 4th national milestone is no small feat. It reflects a consistency of vision and a dedication to the welfare of private practitioners who are, quite literally, on the front lines of land administration and infrastructure development in Nigeria.”
Declaring the conference open, Eze said: “By choosing a theme centered on the oil and gas industry, you have demonstrated a keen understanding of where our profession must position itself to remain relevant and indispensable to the Nigerian economy.”
Speaking, Simepiriye Elliot Godwin Kalio, a fellow and the national chairman of APPSN, said the Port Harcourt event is the fourth after Lagos (2023), Kano (2024), and Enugu (2025). “This year’s event taking place here at the Dr. Obi Wali International Conference Centre in the Garden City, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, the Treasure base of the Nation, is peculiar and unique.
“The uniqueness is made the more vivid with the choice of the theme: ‘Mapping The Future: The Vital Roles of Surveyors in the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry’ here in the oil hub, the Treasure Base of the Nation, is very apt (fitting) and not coincidental. It is also taking place in the very state of the newly elected National Chairman of the Association, South-South Nigeria, and first in the history of our Association.”
He dedicated time to appreciate the forerunners and leaders of the Association for the tremendous and sacrificial efforts they put into getting the members to where they are today. In doing so, he saluted the likes of Femi Popoola, (pioneer chairman), Timothy Adekeye, I. A. Fasina, Abayomi Luke Bobadoye, and Thomas. O. Dabiri, as well as the executives that worked to bring the event to reality.
Kalio said APPSN as a subgroup of NIS is strategically positioned by the Almighty God to unique and complementary roles with other subgroups in the affairs and activities of the main body. He said the role of these subgroups in NIS cannot be over-emphasised and that it is one of the core reasons of their gathering in Port Harcourt to the referred complementing roles vital for the survival of the surveying profession.
Chairman of the host branch, Andy Nwikinane, said the state branch was becoming more stable and committed to ensuring that professional practice was carried out with checks on areas of malpractice.
“APPSN Rivers State, working in conjunction with the parent body, decided to tap into modern technological advancement through the establishment installation of Continuously Operating Reference Station (CORS) which is now up and running providing information to surveyors in field duties.
Gov Fubara raises alarm:
A major alarm was raised by Gov Sim Fubara of Rivers State who described the issuance of ‘Federal Certificate of Occupancy,’ allegedly produced by the Office of the Surveyor-General of the Federation, as threat to provisions of the Land Use Act, which he said vests all land in a state in the governor of the state as trustee.
The governor admitted that the theme of the conference highlighted the association’s continued efforts to promote professionalism and curb unethical practices among members.
Fubara was represented by Benibo Anabraba, Secretary to the State Government (who was relieved of his position later same day due to dissolution of cabinet), further described the alleged federal Certificate of Occupancy as capable of claiming land and waterways in Rivers State contrary to sections of the Land Use Act
He listed the alleged issuance of ‘Federal Certificate of Occupancy;’ Land Grabbing and procurement of illegal survey plans; Payment of adequate compensation to landowners and Protection of the environment and Green Areas as areas of concern to the state administration.
Fubara commended the APPSN’s choice of Port Harcourt as venue for its 4th annual conference, describing it as an affirmation of the fact that Rivers State is peaceful, welcoming, and is a destination for investment and collaboration, as the hub of the oil and gas industry in Nigeria, and indeed the West African sub-region.”
He said, “The role of surveyors in governance is pivotal to the growth, development, and peace and order of a society, particularly as it concerns land use and management, provision of infrastructure, environmental management, and conflict resolution.
“Therefore, whatever is done in furtherance of these activities, such as the acquisition of Rights of Way and seismic operations, will impact either positively or negatively on the peace and development of the state.
“However, we have concerns bothering on the following: The Threat to land ownership and title in Rivers State by the production and issuance of ‘Federal Certificate of Occupancy,’ allegedly issued by the Office of the Surveyor-General of the Federation and other affiliated Federal MDAs, to claim land and waterways in Rivers State contrary to Section 1 of the Land Use Act Cap L5 LFN 2004 which vests all land in a state in the governor of the state as trustee.
“Secondly, Land Grabbing by the procurement of illegal survey plans and the superimposition of survey pillars and numbers. Thirdly, Payment of adequate compensation to landowners in the licence holders. We seek your intervention in this regard with current economic realities.
“Fourth, but not the least, Protection of the environment in planning, by considering Green Areas, creation of Marine Protection Areas, and protecting and preserving forests during oil exploration surveys by minimizing the physical footprint of seismic operations, employing “green” technologies, and, conducting thorough Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAS), and implementing rapid restoration of affected areas.
“The government of Rivers State is not in doubt that the purpose of this conference and its theme is to provide a platform for the cross fertilization of ideas that are geared towards enhancing professional capacity, service delivery, adoption of best practices in Nigeria, particularly the oil and gas sector,” he said.
APPSN also threw treats to their members from February 10, 2026 to the end on February 12. After arrivals, the members paid courtesy calls to Gov Fubara, the Executive Governor of Rivers State; to Chike Worlu Wodo, who is chairman of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers and Royal Father of the Day. They also visited Peter Ogolo, the Surveyor-General of Rivers State, before engaging in media activities for awareness creation, before retiring to a reception for members in the evening.
They also embarked on road walk around the city and health promotion activities, exhibitions, business networking, ending with social tours within the Garden City.
