Lagos Commissioner Champions Greater Inclusion of Women in Surveying

The Lagos State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Bolaji Cecilia Dada, has advocated for greater inclusion and support of women in the surveying profession, highlighting their significant contributions to sustainable development and technological advancement.

Speaking as the Special Guest at the Women-In-Surveying (WIS) Biennial Congress held in Ikeja, Lagos, Dada—represented by the Director of Women Affairs, Mrs. Olufunke Shyllon—commended the efforts of the WIS Network for empowering women and promoting innovation in the geospatial field.

Themed “Revolutionizing Surveying: Empowering Sustainable Development through Remote Collaboration and Community Engagement,” the congress brought together leading professionals and stakeholders in the surveying and geospatial industry.

In her keynote address, Dada praised the WIS Network for consistently driving change through inclusive community engagement and female empowerment in the profession.

“I applaud the leadership and members of this unique body for their unwavering commitment to redefining the surveying landscape in Nigeria,” she said.

She emphasized the growing importance of women surveyors in solving critical development challenges such as land management, climate resilience, housing, and urban planning, particularly within the context of a digital and rapidly evolving world.

“Women in surveying are not only mapping terrains; they are opening new frontiers for girls and women in STEM fields across Lagos and beyond,” she noted.

The commissioner also reaffirmed her ministry’s commitment to partnering with professional bodies to create inclusive economic opportunities, particularly for women in underserved and rural communities. She stressed the need for increased access to mentorship, skills development, and digital tools in the geospatial sector.

“We are ready to collaborate with organizations like yours to expand economic inclusion, spark innovation, and accelerate societal development,” she added.

In her welcome remarks, outgoing WIS Lagos Coordinator, Mrs. Joseph Olajumoke, encouraged women in the surveying profession to embrace emerging technologies, strengthen collaborations, and increase community engagement to drive meaningful change.

“Let us leverage innovation, deepen partnerships, and connect with communities. Together, we can reshape how surveying is practiced and perceived across Nigeria,” she said.