From Maurice Okafor, Enugu
A former Minister of Power, Prof.Chinedu Nebo, has urged Nigerians to acquire and adapt to geospatial intelligence strategies in all sectors of decision making and planning in the nation’s quest to attain sustainable development.
Prof. Nebo stated this in his keynote address delivered at the ongoing 59th Annual General Meeting and Conference of Nigerian Institution of Surveyors (NIS), holding at International Conference Center,Enugu.
Speaking on the theme, ‘Harnessing Geospatial Intelligence in the New World: Innovations and Opportunities for Sustainable Development,’ Prof Nebo harped that Nigeria must adapt to the trend so as to meet up with global standard.
Prof Nebo opined that ,”Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT) has emerged as a transformative force in global development integrating geographic data with cutting edge technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI),Machine Learning(ML), remote sensing and big data analytics”.
He explained that geospatial intelligence can forster sustainable development in environmental conservation, agriculture, resource management ,etc.
“Geospatial Intelligence plays critical role in environmental sustainability by monitoring deforestation,tackling climate change patterns and accessing biodiversity loss, satellite based remote sensing technologies, Precision agriculture and Security”.
According to Prof.Nebo the origin of Geospatial Intelligence is traced to cartography and aerial photographs which played key roles in military strategy,navigation and land use planning but has witnessed significant advancement in the 21st century through artificial intelligence, Machine learning, Big data and Cloud computing,Drones and unmanned aerial vehicles,5G and internet’s,etc
Prof. Nebo advocated, “GEOINT is a versatile and veritable tool that Nigeria needs to power its journey through sustainable development that would guarantee unprecedented socio-economic growth. It is critical, however, our policy makers must learn the importance of including experts in this field, as well as those in the general disciplines of town and regional planning in the governance of regional development throughout the country”.
He stated further that “Geospatial intelligence is a powerful enabler of sustainable development, offering innovative solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges. From environmental conservation to disaster resilience, smart urban planning, precision agriculture, and resource management.
” GEOINT provides actionable insights that drive progress. However, realizing its full potential requires addressing infrastructural, ethical, and policy-related challenges through strategic investments and collaborative frameworks.
” By integrating geospatial intelligence into global development agendas, societies can foster resilience, efficiency, and sustainability in the new world”, Nigeria’s former power minister stated.
Earlier in his welcome address, the President of the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors, Dr.Mathew Ibitoye stated that geospatial intelligence integrates geospatial data with advanced analytical processes to produce actionable insights drawing from satellite imagery, remote sensing, GIS, GIPs and big data analytics in offering comprehensive understanding of our spatial environment,infrastructure, population Dynamics and natural systems.
