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The National Hydrography Agency (NHA) has reaffirmed commitment to development of the blue economy and tourism in the country, the West African subregion and the entire African continent.
Rear Adm. Ayo Olugbode, Hydrographer of the Federation and Chief Executive Officer of NHA, said this at the World Hydrography Day celebration, themed: “Seabed Mapping – Enabling Ocean Action”, on Saturday, June 21, 2025, in Abuja.
Olugbode said the agency under his leadership, was dedicated to advancing African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) goals through hydrographic initiatives that foster safe navigation, trade facilitation, and Africa’s maritime competitiveness.
According to him, as hydrographic data becomes increasingly central to maritime safety, transportation and trade, the NHA stands ready to contribute to a more connected and economically empowered West Africa.
“Hydrography today is not confined to the survey vessel or the drawing table.
“It now influences coastal urban planning, marine biodiversity conservation, fisheries management, and disaster risk reduction.
“It underpins our Blue Economy and informs maritime domain awareness.
“In short, hydrography is a cornerstone of our collective ocean future, and that future depends not only on technology, but on people.
“To our young students and professionals in the room, I say: your generation holds the compass.
“The ocean is calling for explorers, thinkers, and problem-solvers. Your curiosity and creativity will be the driving force behind the next wave of innovation in this vital discipline,” he said.
Olugbode said the World Hydrography Day 2025 was not just a celebration of surveys and charts, but a moment to reflect on the immense responsibilities to map, protect, and sustainably manage our vast maritime spaces for the benefit of future generations.
He said the agency had continued to lead the charge with a clear national mandate and a strong regional vision.
“In the last year alone, we have expanded our chart production capabilities, deepened our technical expertise, and strengthened our collaborative ties with the Nigerian Navy, academia, and the private sector.
“In particular, we have promoted unbroken bilateral and international engagements with other nations and international partners such as the International Centre for Electronic Navigational Charts (IC-ENC) and International Board on Standards and Competence for Hydrographic Surveyors and Nautical Cartographers (IBS),” he said.
Olugbode said the World Hydrography Day celebration 2025 was a rallying point for cooperation among nations, coordination among institutions, and collaboration among sectors.
Earlier, the Director, International Hydrographic Organisation (IHO) Rear Adm. Luigi Sinapi, said the 2025 World Hydrography Day celebration captured not only the essence of our culture, but also the extent of our culture.
He emphasised that African countries were not only active participants in the global hydrography system but also had their own navigation agenda.
This, according to him, is crucial for global social action, encompassing climate resilience, protection costs, offshore energy development, sustainable fisheries, and marine conservation.
By Sumaila Ogbaje
