In this article, we’re going to be looking at 10 common challenges surveyors face while working on site here in Nigeria. From security risks to equipment failure and community clashes, these are real issues that affect how survey jobs are executed, especially in remote and rural areas. If you’ve ever worked in the field or plan to, this breakdown is for you.

Below are 10 of the most common challenges Nigerian surveyors face on site, based on real field experiences across various states.

1. Insecurity and Safety Risks

Surveying requires movement into forests, bushes, or undeveloped lands, often far from urban security. In many regions, especially in the North-Central, South-South, and South-East, surveyors have faced robbery, abduction, or attacks from unknown gunmen. There are also frequent reports of stolen equipment and physical assault during boundary surveys. In Rivers and Bayelsa States, some crews now request police escorts for certain areas due to recurrent threats

2. Poor Access to Reliable Control Points

To get accurate positioning, surveyors rely on geodetic controls or CORS (Continuously Operating Reference Stations). But many towns and rural areas still lack reliable, referenced points. This forces surveyors to establish their own control each time and sometimes they find it difficult to locate a control they can extend to their site. This was one of the many reasons why we (OTIC SURVEYS) started establishing CORS in Nigeria. Currently we have over 15 COR Stations in Nigeria that are fuly functional.

3. Bad Road Access to Project Sites

Some sites are impossible to reach with regular vehicles. During rainy seasons, even motorcycles can’t go through certain swampy or flooded zones. Many surveyors are forced to walk long distances with tripods, total stations, or GNSS receivers in hand.

4. Hostile Communities and Land Disputes

Surveying land often sparks tension. In many areas, especially in Lagos, Anambra, Ogun, Delta, and Rivers, community members believe the presence of a surveyor means land is being taken away. Others use survey work as an opportunity to extort or demand illegal levies

Fact: Several surveyors have been chased away or threatened during layout surveys or estate documentation.

5. Harsh Weather Conditions

Nigeria’s climate isn’t survey friendly year-round. During the dry season, intense sun can lead to fatigue and equipment overheating. In the wet season, heavy rains delay fieldwork, flooding the site, and sometimes wash away markings or pegs.

6. Equipment Failure or Lack of Maintenance

GNSS receivers, drones, or total stations are sensitive tools. Dust, heat, and careless handling in the field can cause sudden malfunctions. Worse still, not all survey firms keep backup batteries or spares. And not all too maintains their survey equipments and schedule regular checks on their equipments. Some even go as far as buying faulty equipments because they seem to be cheaper and at the end they it malfunctions and they have lost their investment. We here at OTIC SURVEYS use high standard and good quailty equipments for every job. We believe it is much costly to deliver a bad job, because it can result to lack of trust from client and loss of projects in return.

7. Network and Power Supply Problems

CORS-based RTK surveying depends heavily on internet connectivity and GPS correction signals. In some locations, surveyors have no network coverage, and cannot perform real-time surveys. In addition, power banks or batteries often run out in areas with no electricity. In remote areas like Kogi, and parts of Niger State, this is a daily struggle.

8. Lack of Trained Field Assistants

Many survey jobs require one or two field assistants. But not every assistant understands prism use, GNSS stakeout, or even how to handle a tripod. This leads to delays, miscommunication, and sometimes wrong measurements.

9. Pressure from Clients with Unrealistic Timelines

Clients often demand quick delivery of survey plans or layout, without understanding the terrain or logistics. Many expect documents within 24–48 hours even when the job involves dense bush clearing, control extension from far distance, base station setup, and multiple observations.

10. Competition from Quacks and Underpricing

Across Nigeria, unlicensed “surveyors” operate with fake stamps or outdated tools, offering to do the job at half the professional rate. This not only reduces the industry’s value but also puts licensed surveyors at risk of being compared with substandard practitioners.

How to Effectively Deal With These Challenges

Knowing the problems is just one side of the coin. What matters more is how you manage them on site. Here’s how Nigerian surveyors can tackle each challenge professionally:

1. For Insecurity and Safety Risks

Avoid isolated locations without backup. Work in teams, and where necessary, engage local security or request police presence. Inform someone about your location and expected return time. Limit cash and valuables carried on site.

2. For Lack of Control Points

Invest in RTK GNSS receivers that support base-rover setups.

Subscribe to a reliable CORS provider where available.

Always establish temporary controls if none are available.

3. For Poor Road Access

Visit the site ahead of the main survey to understand terrain.

Use rugged vehicles or bikes; in extreme cases, hire locals familiar with the area for logistics.

Adjust quote to reflect transportation hardship.

4. For Hostile Communities

Engage local leaders or youth heads before beginning work.

Clearly explain what the survey is for and who it’s being done for.

Avoid confrontational responses and leave the site immediately if tensions rise.

5. For Harsh Weather Conditions

Start fieldwork early in the day to avoid mid-day heat.

Always check the weather forecast before planning a field visit.

Carry protective gear (raincoats, hats, sunscreen) and waterproof equipment bags.

6. For Equipment Malfunction

Carry backup batteries and extra SD cards.

Service your equipment regularly and avoid exposing devices to direct rain or dust.

Always test before leaving for site.

7. For Poor Internet and Power

Carry a strong power bank and, if possible, a car battery to directly power your receiver.

Use SIM cards from different networks to switch based on coverage. Often use Base and Rover setups

8. For Untrained Field Assistants

Provide quick on the job training and assign simple but clear roles.

Oversee important steps yourself like base setup and point collection.

9. For Client Pressure

Educate the client on timelines and field constraints from the start. Use contracts to set realistic delivery expectations. Avoid promising what isn’t feasible.

10. For Dealing With Quack Competition

Differentiate yourself with quality and professionalism. Use valid stamps and maintain proper documentation. Be willing to explain why your fee covers far more value than “shortcuts.

And our rugged equipments we get that fits the Nigerian terrain is all purchased from Geossotech, they equip professionals with the right GNSS receivers, RTK solutions, and mapping tools that actually perform under Nigerian conditions. Need help selecting equipment or planning a job? Speak with their team today. https://geossotech.com/new-contact

10 Common Challenges Surveyors Face On Site in Nigeria

10 Common Challenges Surveyors Face On Site in Nigeria