NIS inducts 30 fellows, honours Abbas, Mbah, four others
The Nigerian Institution of Surveyors (NIS) has inducted 30 new fellows and charged them with upholding integrity and contributing meaningfully to national development. The organisation also conferred honorary fellowship on
The Nigerian Institution of Surveyors (NIS) has inducted 30 new fellows and charged them with upholding integrity and contributing meaningfully to national development.
The organisation also conferred honorary fellowship on six distinguished Nigerians.
The six prominent Nigerians were conferred honorary fellowships in recognition of their contributions to national development and their support for the surveying profession.
Among them are the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas; the former Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa; the Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa; the Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah; the business mogul, Arthur Eze; and the academic, Olayinka Yaro Balogun.
The ceremony, which took place in Abuja, marked the 2026 Fellows’ Investiture—the seventh since the creation of the autonomous Board of Fellows in 2016.
Chairman of the Board of Fellows, Alabo Charles, described the event as “a momentous occasion to recognise professional excellence, integrity and outstanding contributions within the surveying profession.”
He noted that the investiture remained the highest recognition within the institution.
He said, “It is my profound honour to welcome you to this auspicious ceremony. Fellowship is not a right but a privilege, reserved for those who have consistently demonstrated sound professional practice, high moral standards and unwavering commitment to the ideals of the Institution.”
He disclosed that the 30 Fellows-elect were admitted after a rigorous screening process and found worthy “in character, knowledge and contribution to the development of the profession.”
According to Charles, the honour is reserved for “eminent personalities who have made immense contributions to the advancement of the surveying profession and national development.”
He urged the new fellows to see their elevation as a call to higher responsibility.
“As Fellows, you are the conscience of the profession and custodians of its values. You must serve as mentors, moral compasses and leading lights, guiding the next generation of surveyors,” he said.
He further highlighted the indispensable role of surveying in sectors such as hydrocarbon exploration, infrastructure development and geospatial planning.
“The surveying profession provides the spatial data critical to national growth and development,” he said.
In his address, President of the NIS, Pius Eze, emphasised the critical role of surveying in Nigeria’s development, describing the profession as “the bedrock of every meaningful development in the country.”
He said, “Surveying is not just about land measurement; it is the foundation upon which planning, infrastructure and national growth are built. Our role has expanded significantly, and we must confront challenges ranging from security concerns to technological gaps through innovation and ethical discipline.”
Eze congratulated the inductees on attaining the highest membership cadre, noting that their new status comes with heightened expectations.
“Your investiture confers on you a unique status in society. You will be looked upon for guidance, mentorship and leadership. You must discharge your duties with diligence, professionalism and integrity at all times,” he said.
Also speaking, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Esther Walson-Jack, urged the inductees to regard their elevation as a call to national service.
Walson-Jack, who was represented by the Surveyor-General of the Federation, Abdulganiyu Adebomehin, stressed that the institution must position itself as “a strategic national partner in development,” adding that surveyors play a crucial role in policy implementation, infrastructure planning and economic growth.
