According to the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, the establishment of the National Hydrographic Agency by the federal government was driven by several factors aimed at advancing development in the country’s maritime sector. This includes promoting the utilization of the nation’s vast Mineral resources and Blue Economy potential, enhancing maritime safety, generating employment opportunities, and combating Poverty through resource exploitation. He emphasized that the Agency is well-equipped to deliver precise and prompt hydrographic information necessary for ensuring the safety and effectiveness of maritime operations.
During the World Hydrography Day commemoration event in Abuja, Vice Admiral Ogalla pointed out that the agency’s establishment aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the Economic Growth of the country. He emphasized the importance of harnessing Blue Economy potential for prosperity in Africa as we look towards this year’s celebration. His statement highlighted the Nigerian Navy’s joint efforts with the National Hydrographic Agency to achieve this goal, specifically focusing on mapping Nigerian waters to enhance navigation safety and promote economic growth.
Federal government has reaffirmed commitment for the agency.
The theme for this year’s World Hydrography Day, “Hydrographic Information – Enhancing Safety, Efficiency and Sustainability in Maritime Activities”, was developed in light of current circumstances. He expressed that this event will offer a valuable opportunity to strengthen partnerships with key allies from both domestic and global spheres, in order to bolster hydrography efforts in Nigeria for sustainable maritime operations aimed at promoting socio-economic progress. By passing an Act through the National Assembly, a distinguished naval officer was selected to serve as the Hydrographer of the Federation and Chief Executive Officer of the Agency.
Moreover, the federal government has reaffirmed commitment to enhancing the nation’s hydrographic capabilities through the acquisition of advanced survey technology. This commitment will support the growth of the industry and ensure the provision of precise and timely hydrographic information necessary for safe and effective maritime operations. Establishing the agency has significantly improved Nigeria’s proficiency in addressing the changing requirements of the industry. This development is crucial for the country, given the importance of the country’s ports, active shipping routes, and offshore Petroleum Industry to its economy.
Two new Hydrographic Survey vessels have been acquired.
It plays a crucial role in promoting safe and efficient maritime activities through the provision of comprehensive hydrographic data. This information is essential for effectively managing maritime resources, keeping track of coastal erosion, and addressing the challenges posed by climate change. By supporting Nigeria’s blue economy goals, the agency also helps in generating employment opportunities and driving economic growth for the benefit of all Nigerians. In addition, the Nigerian Navy has added two new Hydrographic Survey vessels to its fleet – NNS LANA and NNS OCHUZO. These ships were officially commissioned during the 68th Anniversary Celebration of the Nigerian Navy in May.
These vessels are designed with advanced technology, allowing for thorough and accurate surveys that result in the creation of updated navigation charts for those involved in maritime activities. This will certainly guarantee protection in the country’s maritime territory, generate employment opportunities, and aid in tapping into the abundant strategic mineral resources for the development of the vast Blue Economy resources in order to alleviate poverty in accordance with the President’s commitment to progress and prosperity in the nation.
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He emphasized that the President’s steadfast support was crucial in achieving these milestones. Ogalla expressed his commitment to continuing the partnership between the Nigerian Navy, the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, the National Hydrography Agency, and other stakeholders to uphold maritime Security and advance Nigeria’s Blue Economy goals. Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar Badaru, the Defence Minister, had the honour of unveiling the National Hydrographic Agency’s latest offerings, including the Approaches to Lagos Chart, Revised National Charting Scheme, and Catalogue of Nigerian Charts.