The Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Muhammad Matawalle, has stated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration has prioritised hydrography as a central pillar of Nigeria's maritime development strategy. He made this known on Wednesday in Abuja during a courtesy visit by the Hydrographer of the Federation and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hydrographic Agency, Rear Admiral O.O. Fadahunsi, along with his management team.
Government Commitment to Maritime Safety and Blue Economy
According to a statement issued by his Personal Assistant on Media, Ahmad Dan-Wudil, Matawalle reaffirmed the Federal Government's dedication to enhancing Nigeria's hydrographic capacity. This initiative aims to improve marine navigation, bolster defence operations, and support ocean-based economic growth. He emphasised that the National Hydrographic Agency plays a strategic role in advancing Nigeria's maritime interests, particularly within the Gulf of Guinea, where security and resource management remain pressing concerns.
“The Federal Government remains committed to strengthening Nigeria’s hydrographic system for improved marine navigation, defence operations and ocean-based economic activities,” Matawalle said.
Hydrography as a Key to Economic and Security Goals
The minister explained that hydrography is integral to Nigeria's emerging Blue Economy agenda, which focuses on expanding maritime trade and ensuring the sustainable use of ocean resources. He added that under the Renewed Hope agenda, Nigeria is poised to assume a leadership role in hydrographic development across West Africa, with continued government support to enhance data generation and navigational safety.
Rear Admiral Fadahunsi commended the minister for his support and pledged the agency's commitment to deeper collaboration with relevant government institutions. He noted that this partnership would strengthen coordination, improve maritime data systems, and align Nigeria's hydrographic operations with global standards for national development.
