The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to making hydrography a national priority as part of efforts to strengthen maritime security, improve marine navigation, and unlock the vast potential of Nigeria’s blue economy.
The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammad Matawalle, MON, made this known while receiving the newly appointed Hydrographer of the Federation and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hydrographic Agency (NHA), Rear Admiral O.O. Fadahunsi, alongside his management team during a courtesy visit to his office in Abuja.
According to the Minister, the Renewed Hope Administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains fully committed to supporting the National Hydrographic Agency and enhancing the country’s hydrographic capabilities to provide accurate and reliable data for maritime operations.
Matawalle described the NHA as a critical institution in advancing Nigeria’s maritime interests and strengthening the Gulf of Guinea’s maritime capabilities. He noted that the agency plays a vital role in facilitating the sustainable use of ocean resources, promoting maritime trade, and driving economic growth through innovative hydrographic solutions.
“The NHA plays a strategic role in advancing Nigeria’s and the Gulf of Guinea’s maritime capabilities. By facilitating the sustainable use of ocean resources, promoting maritime trade, and driving economic growth through innovative hydrographic solutions, the Agency is central to our blue economy agenda,” he said.
The Minister explained that discussions during the meeting focused on strategies to expand Nigeria’s hydrographic capacity, enhance navigational safety, strengthen maritime security, and support sustainable maritime development.
He further noted that with the right policy frameworks already in place, Nigeria is well-positioned to emerge as a regional leader in hydrography and maritime development across West Africa.
In his remarks, Rear Admiral Fadahunsi expressed appreciation for the Minister’s support and leadership, pledging the agency’s commitment to collaborating closely with relevant ministries, departments, and agencies to promote an integrated approach to hydrographic resilience and achieve greater national impact.
The Federal Government’s renewed focus on hydrography is expected to contribute significantly to safer waterways, increased maritime trade, enhanced national security, and the long-term growth of Nigeria’s blue economy.
