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The Federal Government has declared that Nigeria is strategically positioned to emerge as a leading force in hydrographic development across West Africa, as efforts intensify to strengthen maritime security, improve navigational safety, and accelerate the growth of the nation’s blue economy.

Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammad Matawalle, made the declaration 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 members of his management team during a courtesy visit to the Ministry of Defence in Abuja.

The Minister reaffirmed the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to advancing Nigeria’s hydrographic capabilities, describing the sector as critical to the nation’s economic and security aspirations.

According to Matawalle, the Renewed Hope Administration remains unwavering in its support for the National Hydrographic Agency and its mandate of providing accurate and reliable hydrographic data for maritime operations.

“The Renewed Hope Administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, remains fully committed to supporting the NHA and enhancing Nigeria’s hydrographic capabilities for effective data provision in maritime operations,” the Minister stated.

He emphasized that hydrography has become increasingly important in modern maritime governance, particularly as nations seek to harness the economic opportunities embedded in their marine environments while ensuring security and sustainability.

Highlighting the strategic significance of the National Hydrographic Agency, Matawalle said the institution occupies a central place in Nigeria’s maritime development agenda and regional leadership ambitions.

“The NHA plays a strategic role in advancing Nigeria’s and the Gulf of Guinea’s maritime capabilities,” he said.

The Minister further noted that the Agency’s activities go beyond charting waterways and collecting maritime data, stressing that its contributions are essential to trade facilitation, economic growth, and the sustainable management of marine resources.

“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,” Matawalle declared.

He explained that discussions with the NHA leadership centred on practical measures to deepen Nigeria’s hydrographic capacity and improve the nation’s maritime infrastructure.

According to him, “discussions focused on measures to expand Nigeria’s hydrographic capacity to enhance navigational safety, strengthen maritime security, and support sustainable maritime development.”

The Minister observed that Nigeria’s growing influence within the maritime sector is backed by robust policy frameworks that provide a strong foundation for future growth and regional cooperation.

He expressed confidence that ongoing investments and institutional support would enable the country to assume a leadership position in hydrographic advancement across the sub-region.

“With strong policy frameworks already in place, Nigeria is well positioned to play a leading role in advancing hydrography across West Africa,” he stated.

Matawalle reiterated that hydrographic development remains essential to ensuring safer shipping routes, combating maritime threats, supporting offshore economic activities, and unlocking the full potential of the country’s blue economy.

Earlier, the Hydrographer of the Federation and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hydrographic Agency, Rear Admiral Fadahunsi, expressed appreciation to the Minister for his support and strategic leadership.
He assured the Federal Government that the Agency would continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to strengthen hydrographic services and build a resilient maritime sector.

Fadahunsi pledged the Agency’s commitment to fostering greater synergy among government institutions and maritime stakeholders in pursuit of national development goals.

He assured the Minister of “the Agency’s commitment to working closely with relevant ministries, departments, and agencies to promote an integrated approach to hydrographic resilience and deliver greater results.”

The visit underscored the Federal Government’s determination to strengthen Nigeria’s maritime architecture and leverage hydrographic innovation as a catalyst for economic growth, regional leadership, and enhanced national security.