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WHD: Nigeria Eyes Ocean Data to Boost Maritime Safety, Trade
The Federal Government has reiterated plans to leverage ocean data to enhance maritime safety, improve navigation, and drive the growth of Nigeria’s blue economy as part of activities marking the 2026 World Hydrography Day celebration.
The Hydrographer of the Federation and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hydrographic Agency (NHA), Rear Admiral Olumide Fadahunsi, disclosed this during a press briefing in Abuja ahead of the global event scheduled for June 20 at the Lagos Oriental Hotel.
Speaking on the theme, “Transforming How Ocean Data is Shared,” Fadahunsi said Nigeria’s commemoration aligns with the agenda of the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) to promote the adoption of modern hydrographic systems and S-100-based digital ocean data services for safer maritime operations.
According to him, improved ocean data sharing will strengthen maritime safety, support efficient shipping, facilitate offshore energy operations, improve fisheries management, and enhance coastal resilience planning.
He noted that accurate hydrographic charts and ocean-data products remain critical to safe navigation, port development, submarine cable and pipeline routing, environmental protection, and maritime governance.
Fadahunsi said the 2026 World Hydrography Day celebration would provide Nigeria an opportunity to showcase how modern hydrography and digital ocean-data services can support maritime safety, efficient trade, offshore operations, and environmental sustainability.
He added that the plenary session for the event would bring together hydrographic authorities, maritime experts, policymakers, researchers, industry stakeholders, and development agencies to discuss strategies for strengthening navigation safety, maritime administration, and blue economy development in Nigeria and across Africa.
The NHA boss further revealed that discussions at the event would focus on inclusive governance in Africa’s blue economy, geospatial intelligence for improved marine decision-making, and the strategic use of ocean data to support sustainable offshore energy and indigenous oil and gas leadership.
He stressed that improved collaboration among maritime institutions, regulators, private sector actors, and academic institutions would enhance the accessibility and governance of ocean data in line with global standards.
Fadahunsi urged the media to amplify awareness on the importance of hydrography, noting that modern ocean-data systems are vital for safety, security, climate resilience, and sustainable maritime development.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to international frameworks, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14 and the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, aimed at promoting safer and more sustainable use of marine resources.
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