In a decisive move to modernise land governance and catalyse infrastructure growth, the Ekiti State Government has launched a comprehensive aerial mapping exercise aimed at enhancing urban planning, guiding infrastructural investments, and improving the efficiency of land administration across the state.
The aerial survey, which officially began on Sunday, April 20, 2025, is scheduled to run until December 2025, covering all local government areas in Ekiti. The exercise marks a significant step in the state’s efforts to leverage cutting-edge geospatial technology to support data-driven decision-making in governance, especially in areas like town planning, real estate, and environmental management.
In a public statement released via the state government’s official X (formerly Twitter) handle, authorities emphasised the importance of the initiative, describing it as “a strategic initiative designed to enhance land administration, support efficient town planning, guide infrastructure development, and provide accurate geospatial data to inform government policies and decision-making.”
The government noted that the data gathered will also play a pivotal role in reducing land-related disputes, streamlining land transaction processes, and boosting investor confidence in the state’s fast-growing real estate and construction sectors.
“By obtaining reliable aerial data, we can ensure that development is planned and sustainable, while also improving transparency in land management,” the statement read. “This initiative will serve as a foundation for a smarter, more resilient urban future.”
The mapping operation involves the use of low-flying aircraft equipped with specialised sensors and imaging technology. The public has been advised not to panic upon seeing these aircraft, as the activity is safe, authorised, and part of a coordinated government programme.
“We appeal for the cooperation and understanding of all citizens throughout the duration of the exercise,” the government added. “Your support is crucial in ensuring the success of this transformative project.”
Experts have lauded the move as a timely intervention in light of Nigeria’s pressing need for better land governance and urban planning frameworks. With rapid urbanisation taking root across many states, accurate geospatial data is becoming an indispensable asset in mitigating urban sprawl, managing population growth, and ensuring equitable access to land.
The Ekiti aerial mapping initiative is expected to serve as a model for other sub-national governments seeking to embrace smart technologies in public administration.
