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The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to making hydrography a national priority as part of efforts to enhance marine navigation, strengthen national defence, and unlock the vast economic potential of Nigeria’s blue economy.
The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammad Matawalle, made the commitment while receiving the newly appointed Hydrographer of the Federation and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hydrographic Agency (NHA), Rear Admiral O.O. Fadahunsi, and his management team during a courtesy visit to his office in Abuja.
Matawalle said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains resolute in supporting the National Hydrographic Agency and advancing Nigeria’s hydrographic capabilities to ensure the provision of accurate and reliable maritime data for navigation, security operations, and economic development.
According to the Minister, hydrography remains a critical component of Nigeria’s maritime architecture and a key driver of the country’s aspirations within the blue economy sector.
“The National Hydrographic Agency plays a strategic role in advancing Nigeria’s and the Gulf of Guinea’s maritime capabilities,” Matawalle said.
He added: “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.”
The Minister stressed that the Federal Government recognizes the importance of hydrographic services in ensuring safer waterways, supporting maritime commerce, and strengthening security operations within Nigeria’s territorial waters and across the Gulf of Guinea.
He disclosed that discussions during the meeting focused on expanding Nigeria’s hydrographic capacity to improve navigational safety, reinforce maritime security, and support sustainable maritime development.
Matawalle further noted that with the right policies already in place, Nigeria is strategically positioned to emerge as a leading force in hydrographic development across West Africa.
“The discussions centred on measures to expand Nigeria’s hydrographic capacity to enhance navigational safety, strengthen maritime security, and support sustainable maritime development,” he said.
The Minister expressed confidence that ongoing government support for the sector would contribute significantly to national development objectives while positioning the country as a regional leader in maritime data management and hydrographic services.
Speaking earlier, the newly appointed Hydrographer of the Federation and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hydrographic Agency, Rear Admiral Fadahunsi, commended the Minister for what he described as his visionary leadership and commitment to strengthening the nation’s maritime sector.
He assured the Federal Government of the Agency’s readiness to collaborate closely with relevant ministries, departments and agencies to promote an integrated and resilient hydrographic framework.
Fadahunsi said the Agency would continue to pursue partnerships and initiatives aimed at enhancing hydrographic resilience, improving maritime safety, and delivering greater value to the nation’s economy.
The renewed commitment by the Federal Government comes amid growing recognition of the strategic importance of hydrographic data in supporting maritime security, facilitating trade, protecting marine resources, and driving sustainable economic growth under Nigeria’s expanding blue economy agenda.
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