Modern hydrography key to maritime safety – NHA

The Hydrographer of the Federation and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hydrographic Agency (NHA), Rear Admiral Olumide Fadahunsi, has described modern hydrography as critical to maritime safety, ocean governance and the growth of Nigeria’s blue economy.

Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday ahead of the 2026 World Hydrography Day celebration, Fadahunsi said Nigeria must improve the way it organises, standardises and shares ocean data to enhance maritime operations and environmental protection.

He said the country would commemorate World Hydrography Day on June 20 in Lagos in line with the agenda of the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO).

“Accurate charts and ocean-data products derived from modern surveys are essential for safe navigation, port development, offshore energy operations, fisheries management and coastal-resilience planning,” he said.

Fadahunsi noted that improved ocean-data sharing, particularly through S-100-compliant services, would reduce navigational risks, support maritime trade and strengthen the safety of regional and international sea routes.

He said the highlight of the celebration would be a plenary session bringing together experts, policymakers, researchers, hydrographic authorities and industry stakeholders to explore ways of improving ocean-data accessibility and governance.

Three technical papers focusing on blue economy governance, geospatial intelligence and sustainable offshore energy development will be presented at the event.

The hydrographer said the discussions were expected to strengthen collaboration among maritime institutions, regulators, academia and the private sector while generating practical recommendations for better ocean-data management.

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