Hydrography in Focus: NHA Pledges Joint Surveys, Data Sharing, and to Enhance Regional Cooperation
The National Hydrographic Agency (NHA), has pledged to establish and strengthen regional collaboration in hydrography through joint surveys, shared geo-spatial data platform and capacity building.
In a communique signed at the end of the West African Hydrographic Summit which was officially commenced on Thursday 19 June 2025 with an opening ceremony at the Abuja Continental Hotel.
The Chief Host of the occasion, the Hydrographer of the Federation/CEO of the National Hydrographic Agency (NHA), Rear Admiral Ayo Olugbode warmly welcomed the participants from various countries and organisations and reiterated the call to action to accelerate seabed mapping through regional cooperation.
The Special Guest of Honour (SGOH), the House Committee Chairman on Nigerian Navy, Rt Honourable Yusuf Adamu Gagdi recalled his role in sponsoring the establishment bill for the NHA and guiding the bill through the House and Senate into final assent at the presidency.
He promised his full and unwavering support for the continued growth, funding and modernization of the NHA with enabling laws, oversight engagements and budgetary commitments.
Immediately after the opening ceremony, the SGOH along with other dignitaries moved to the exhibition hall where he officially declared the exhibition open and made an announcement of the IC-ENC West African Regional Office and Training Centre in Nigeria.
This activity was followed by a tour of the exhibition hall and an industry presentation. The high point of the day was the West African Hydrographic Summit during which delegates from participating countries deliberated extensively on the state of hydrography in West Africa, outlining the challenges and proposing workable solutions.
SpyeTV News reports that the Chief Host of the occasion, the Hydrographer of the Federation/CEO of the National Hydrographic Agency (NHA), Rear Admiral Ayo Olugbode during an international world press conference on Monday the 2025 Hydrography Day Celebration and the West African Hydrographic Summit is to promote maritime safety, environmental sustainability, education, economic development, and international cooperation.
