Spatial Data Infrastructure: an Imperative in the Management of the Resources of the Niger Delta

Peter C. Nwilo

Department of Surveying & Geoinformatics, University of Lagos (NG)

The Niger Delta is rich in living and non-living resources. It is the home to oil production in Nigeria. It has also the largest mangrove ecosystem in Africa several conflicts have occurred in this region as a result of environmental mismanagement in result of human activities such as crude oil mining and processing, oil spills, destruction of forest resources including the mangrove ecosystem and charges in the life pattern of the inhabitants.
The federal Government have responded by setting up the Niger Delta Development Commission, which is aimed at improving the quality of lives. The funding for the activities of the commission comes from the contribution /federal Government of Nigeria. The nine state government and the oil companies operating in the region. The NDDC has constructed schools, recreation centres and provided funds to the inhabitants to establish small scale industries. These activities have reduced the restiveness in the region.
Spatial Data Infrastructure in form provision of control networks, up-to-date topographic maps, establishment of metadata for the region, sharing of between establishments and provision of electricity and modern communication network will assist in decision making and development of the region by the Commission. The Niger Delta Environmental Survey converted 1960 1/25,000 analogue maps of the region as the foundation for updating of maps of the region. Oil companies operating in the region have vast digital maps, control network and remotely sensed data on the area of the area. Access to these information will assist the NDDC and the government at different levels in the development of the region. Already, the oil companies are providing some semblance of access to information but a more integrated approach will be more beneficial.

It is recommended that:
(i) The NDDC develops a metadata for the region.
(ii) All maps control network coordinates, and remotely sensed images of the region acquired by the oil companies should be made available to the Federal Surveys of Nigeria as required by law.
(iii) Serious efforts should be made by NDDC, the Governments at all levels and the oil companies to train manpowered the management of Spatial Data Infrastructure.

These efforts will enhance decision-making and coordinated development of the Niger Delta. It will also lead to the much-needed peace in the region.