By Divine Bishung
CALABAR (CONVERSEER) – The Cross River State House of Assembly has passed a bill to establish the office of the Surveyor-General of the State.
The bill, sponsored by the Member representing Calabar Municipality State Constituency, Hon. Stanley Nsemo, with 8 other Co-sponsors, seeks to establish a legal framework for the Office of the Surveyor-General, define its functions as well as strengthen its role in land matters, mapping and geospatial data management.
The Assembly passed the bill after deliberating on the report of the Committee on Lands and Housing, which was earlier saddled with the responsibility of carrying out necessary legislative procedures after its first and second readings on Wednesday, 30th April 2025, and Wednesday, 11th June 2025, respectively.
While presenting the Committee’s report, its Chairman, Hon. Nsemo, stated that, when passed, the bill will birth accurate land administration, including land allocation, registration, and documentation. It will greatly reduce land disputes and promote transparency in land transactions.
According to the Lawmaker, the bill will provide accurate geospatial data, support national development in sectors like Infrastructure, Urban Planning, Resource Management, and Security.
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“Again, it is obvious that by supporting land-based investments and developmental projects, the bill will contribute to economic growth and job creation. Above all, this bill will modernise the operations of the Office of the Surveyor-General through technological advancements in surveying and mapping such as drone imagery and 3D city modelling,” Nsemo stated.
In their separate contributions, Members unanimously supported the passage of the bill. They highlighted its merits emphasising that it will boost physical planning and strengthen the implementation of the State’s various land reforms.
On his part, the Speaker of the Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, thanked the Sponsor and Members for their contributions towards the timely passage of the bill.
