The Federal Government has announced plans to begin work on Africa’s first underground tunnel, a landmark project that will connect Victoria Island to Badagry in Lagos State.
Surveyor General of the Federation (SGOF), Surv. Abuduganiyu Adebomehin, revealed this groundbreaking initiative while hosting members of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) chapter of the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors (NIS) in his office.
According to him, “My office carried out the tour of the coastal bridge with Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi. The Federal Government is trying to put in a tunnel from Victoria Island to Badagry in Lagos State, and that will be the first tunnel in the whole of Africa.”
Africa’s First Underground Tunnel: Milestone for Nigeria and Africa
The tunnel project, when completed, will not only mark a turning point in Nigeria’s infrastructure development but will also stand as a continental first. The initiative is expected to ease traffic congestion, boost economic activities, and create a modern transport network linking vital parts of Lagos.
In a statement signed by Henry David, Head of Information and Public Affairs of the Office of the Surveyor General of the Federation (OSGOF), Adebomehin also disclosed that Nigeria’s long-awaited blueprint for nationwide mapping is on track.
Mapping Nigeria After Five Decades
Highlighting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s support, the SGOF explained that the last time Nigeria was comprehensively mapped was in the 1970s. “His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was very interested after he was briefed by SGOF that the last time Nigeria was mapped was in the 70s,” Adebomehin said.
He warned critics threatening legal action against the movement of OSGOF to the Presidency to desist, stressing that such moves would amount to “fighting presidential orders.”
“This is the first time we would be having real surveying in Nigeria under the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr President. No one can challenge presidential order. It is much better for OSGOF to be under the Presidency to harness its potentials. The office has been working with low budget and slow in decision making because of the bureaucracy,” he added.
Support From Surveying Community
Speaking earlier, Surv. Robert Coker, Head of Hydrography at OSGOF, also stressed that those opposed to the restructuring should prepare to contend “with the highest authority in the land.”
The visiting NIS delegation expressed optimism over the reforms. Surv. Alfred Adeojo, Secretary of the FCT branch, said, “With the movement of OSGOF to the Presidency, it means good things are ahead of us. It took the SGOF a lot of courage and boldness to achieve this, and we the young ones coming behind him shall emulate this.”
Protecting the Profession’s Image
Adebomehin also urged professionals to safeguard the integrity of the surveying profession and mentor younger surveyors, ensuring the sector continues to grow alongside national development plans.
