Adebomehin Calls For Creation of Enforcement Unit in Tackling Encroachment of Flood Plains

Abdulganiyu Adeyemi Adebomehin
Surveyor General of the Federation 

“The OSGOF has the relevant information and data on where the flood plains are in Nigeria, however, when people encroach, there is no special power given to the office to enforce compliance unless there is Act of parliament through which we can carry out enforcement that will this office to stop encroachment of flood plains in the country." 

The Surveyor General of the Federation (SGOF) has canvassed for creation of  enforcement unit in his office to tackle encroachment of flood area especially during housing development in Nigeria.

The Surveyor General, Abdulganiyu Adeyemi Adebomehin made this call when he appeared as Guest on the TVC News’ Breakfast television programme. He spoke on the topic: Mapping a Brighter Future: Enhancing Nigeria’s Development Through Accurate Mapping.

According to Surv. Adebomehin, “The floodplains are where some people like to go and build their houses, despite warnings. But we don't have that enforcement unit. Now, talking about the enforcement unit, if we need a whole lot of amending. Is there an act or whatever by the National Assembly for them to see reason why we should go to be part of international best practice? Are you independent from the normal government operations? Despite giving warnings against such acts, building developers ignore these warnings and still go ahead to build there.

Do you have capacity to come up with a notice and say, no, what government wants to do in this area negates environmental details?  Do you have capacity to stop people?  And if not, why? What is the international best practice? 

“The OSGOF has the relevant information and data on where the flood plains are in Nigeria, however, when people encroach, there is no special power given to the office to enforce compliance unless there is Act of parliament through which we can carry out enforcement that will this office to stop encroachment of flood plains in the country." 

He also noted that OSGOF possesses accurate data and maps that identify flood-prone regions across the country. He however, stressed that the absence of legislative support limits its capacity to enforce compliance. “We have forest maps, environmental maps, and critical security-related geospatial data. But unlike security agencies, we do not carry arms or have legal backing to enforce map-based decisions. Anyone who ignores these maps effectively undermines national safety and planning,” he added.

Surv. Adebomehin lamented the lack of consistent collaboration between OSGOF and some security agencies, stating that while some agencies recognize the Office’s role and consult accordingly, others overlook its relevance entirely. 

“OSGOF is the only agency that truly understands and defines Nigeria’s geographic realities. Our data is sovereign and scientifically grounded. Yet, not all security stakeholders engage us before taking action on the field,” he concluded.