GIFON EMERGING GEOINT LEADERS CHALLENGE 2026

The Geospatial Intelligence Foundation of Nigeria (GIFON) is a not for profit organization incorporated as a Company Limited by Guarantee, dedicated to advancing the strategic application of geospatial intelligence (GeoINT) in support of national development, security, and sustainable growth. GIFON serves as a national platform that brings together professionals, researchers, students, institutions, industry leaders, and policymakers within Nigeria’s geospatial ecosystem to collaborate, innovate, and promote the effective use of geospatial data, technologies, and analytical capabilities. Through capacity development, professional networking, research initiatives, policy engagement, and public advocacy, the Foundation is committed to strengthening Nigeria’s geospatial intelligence capabilities and promoting evidence-based decision-making across critical sectors of the national economy.

In an era where geospatial intelligence is redefining how nations understand their environments, anticipate risks, manage resources, and secure their futures, the need for a strong and vibrant geospatial community has never been greater. Recognizing this imperative, GIFON is committed to cultivating the next generation of geospatial leaders in Nigeria. The Foundation firmly believes that the future of Nigeria’s geospatial intelligence ecosystem must be built on knowledge, professional integrity, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to national development. By investing in emerging talent and creating opportunities for professional growth, GIFON aims to inspire a new generation of geospatial professionals who will help shape the country’s development trajectory.

In line with this vision, GIFON is introducing a special initiative designed to identify, recognize, and empower promising professionals within Nigeria’s geospatial community. The initiative seeks to encourage excellence, reward innovation, and support individuals who are committed to advancing the role of geospatial intelligence in addressing national challenges and opportunities. Through this initiative, GIFON seeks to strengthen the pipeline of emerging GeoINT leaders, promote inclusivity within the geospatial profession, and contribute to the development of a robust geospatial intelligence ecosystem in Nigeria.

As part of this commitment, GIFON will award complimentary one year memberships to outstanding individuals who demonstrate exceptional potential and dedication to advancing geospatial intelligence in Nigeria. This recognition will be awarded to:

• Five (5) Outstanding Young Geospatial Professionals, and

• Five (5) Exceptional Women in Geospatial Intelligence.

This challenge is an opportunity to demonstrate your ability to think, analyze, and contribute to the future of GeoINT in Nigeria. However, these memberships must be earned through merit, creativity, and demonstrated understanding of geospatial intelligence applications. To determine the awardees, GIFON is launching the Emerging GeoINT Leaders Challenge, an assignment designed to identify individuals who can think critically about how geospatial intelligence can address real challenges facing Nigeria.

The Assignment

Participants are required to prepare a short analytical paper proposing a practical geospatial intelligence solution to a real world challenge in Nigeria. Your submission should demonstrate:

1. Understanding of geospatial intelligence concepts

2. Ability to identify a real problem

3. Use of spatial thinking or geospatial data

4. Clear and practical recommendations or solutions

Participants may choose one of the following thematic areas:

1. National Security & Public Safety

Explain how geospatial intelligence can improve situational awareness, border monitoring, crime mapping, or emergency response in Nigeria.

2. Urban Planning & Smart Cities

Propose how geospatial technologies can help address issues such as traffic congestion, housing development, urban expansion, or infrastructure planning.

3. Climate Change & Environmental Monitoring

Demonstrate how GeoINT can support climate resilience, flood monitoring, deforestation tracking, or environmental protection.

4. Disaster Management & Humanitarian Response

Explain how geospatial intelligence can enhance early warning systems, disaster preparedness, or crisis response.

5. National Development & Governance

Discuss how geospatial intelligence can improve government decision making, resource allocation, infrastructure development, or national planning.

Eligibility Criteria

To ensure fairness and encourage participation from emerging leaders in the geospatial community, applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. Young Geospatial Professionals Category

Applicants must:

1. Be early career professionals working or aspiring to work in the geospatial, GIS, remote sensing, spatial data science, mapping, surveying, or geospatial intelligence fields.

2. Have not more than 10 years of professional experience in the geospatial or related sector.

3. Be passionate about applying geospatial intelligence to national development, security, environmental management, or public policy.

4. Demonstrate a clear interest in contributing to Nigeria’s geospatial ecosystem through research, innovation, professional practice, or community engagement.

5. Be willing to actively participate in GIFON programs, events, and initiatives.

2. Women in Geospatial Intelligence Category

Applicants must:

• Be female professionals, researchers, students, or practitioners working or studying in the geospatial sciences, GIS, remote sensing, surveying, spatial analytics, mapping, or geospatial intelligence fields.

• Demonstrate interest in advancing the role of women in geospatial intelligence and spatial sciences.

• Show evidence of commitment to professional growth, innovation, or knowledge sharing within the geospatial community.

• Be willing to actively engage in GIFON activities and initiatives.

General Requirements (Applicable to All Applicants)

All applicants must:

• Be citizens or residents of Nigeria.

• Submit the required assignment or challenge response as specified in the application guidelines.

• Agree that submissions must be original work produced by the applicant and not generated using artificial intelligence tools.

• Demonstrate integrity, originality, and professional conduct throughout the evaluation process.

Submission Requirements

Each participant must submit the following:

1. Analytical Report

Length: 3–5 pages

The report should include:

1. Title of the submission

2. Problem Statement

3. Context and relevance to Nigeria

4. Proposed GeoINT solution or analysis

5. Potential impact and recommendations

Participants are encouraged to include:

• Maps

• Diagrams

• Illustrations

• Simple spatial analysis

The goal is to demonstrate clear thinking and practical GeoINT application, not necessarily advanced software outputs.

2. Optional Presentation (Recommended)

Participants may include a 5–10 slide PowerPoint presentation summarizing their work. This will help the evaluation team quickly understand the core ideas.

Important Integrity Notice

GIFON is committed to identifying genuine talent and authentic intellectual capability. Therefore, Participants are strictly prohibited from using Artificial Intelligence tools or automated content generation systems to produce their submissions. This includes but is not limited to:

1. ChatGPT

2. Claude

3. Gemini

4. Copilot

5. Any AI writing, analysis, or content generation tool

Submissions must reflect the original thinking, research, and analytical capability of the participant.

GIFON reserves the right to:

1. Conduct verification interviews

2. Request explanation of submitted ideas

3. Disqualify any submission suspected to have been generated using AI tools

Any submission found to rely on AI generated content will be immediately disqualified. This challenge is intended to identify real GeoINT thinkers, not automated outputs.

Evaluation Criteria

All submissions will be evaluated by the GIFON Technical Review Panel based on the following criteria:

Relevance to Nigerian challenges - 30%

Innovation and originality - 25%

Practical application of GeoINT - 20%

Clarity and structure of presentation - 15%

Alignment with GIFON mission - 10%

Benefits of GIFON Membership for Awardees

Recipients of the complimentary GIFON membership will gain access to a growing network of professionals, researchers, and institutions working to advance geospatial intelligence in Nigeria and beyond.

Awardees will receive the following benefits:

• One Year Complimentary GIFON Membership with full access to the Foundation’s professional community and programs.

• Priority Access to Training and Capacity Development Programs organized by GIFON and its partners.

• Opportunities to Participate in GIFON Conferences, Workshops, and Technical Events.

• Professional Networking Opportunities with leading geospatial experts, institutions, and organizations.

• Recognition on GIFON Platforms, including the official website and social media channels.

• Opportunities to Contribute to GIFON Programs and Initiatives, including research, publications, and national GeoINT discussions.

Through these opportunities, GIFON aims to support the professional growth of emerging geospatial leaders while strengthening Nigeria’s geospatial intelligence ecosystem.

Submission Timeline

Assignment Release: March 16, 2023

Submission Deadline: April 15th, 2026

Announcement of Winners: The winners will be formally announced during an upcoming GIFON program or event, where they will be recognized as emerging contributors to Nigeria’s geospatial intelligence community.

We look forward to seeing your ideas.

Geospatial Intelligence Foundation of Nigeria (GIFON)

Mapping the Future. Empowering the Nation.