By| Goodluck E.Adubazi, Abuja
Nigeria join the global maritime community in celebrating World Hydrography Day (WHD) 2026 with a strong emphasis on modernizing the way ocean data is shared, as the National Hydrographic Agency (NHA) unveiled plans for a high-level national event scheduled for June 20 in Lagos.
Speaking at a press briefing at the National Hydrographic Agency Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, the Hydrographer of the Federation and Chief Executive Officer of the NHA, Rear Admiral Olumide Fadahunsi, said this year’s celebration aligns with the International Hydrographic Organization’s (IHO) theme, “Transforming How Ocean Data is Shared.”
According to Fadahunsi, the theme reflects ongoing global efforts to improve the accessibility, standardization and interoperability of ocean data through the adoption of advanced S-100-based digital services, including S-101 Electronic Navigational Charts and S-102 Bathymetric Surface products.
He noted that the initiative is critical to supporting the International Maritime Organization’s approval of S-100 Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS) as a regular means of navigation for international shipping.
“The theme is deliberately framed in simple and inclusive language to engage policymakers, industry leaders, researchers, maritime professionals and the general public in understanding the importance of modern ocean-data services,” he said.
The NHA boss stressed that hydrography remains essential to maritime safety, environmental protection and effective ocean governance.
He explained that accurate nautical charts and ocean-data products are indispensable for safe navigation, port development, offshore energy operations, submarine cable and pipeline routing, fisheries management and coastal resilience planning.
According to him, improved ocean-data sharing will help Nigeria reduce navigational risks, enhance maritime trade efficiency and strengthen contributions to regional and international efforts aimed at securing global sea lanes.
The centerpiece of Nigeria’s 2026 World Hydrography Day celebration according to Rear Admiral Olumide will be a plenary session at the Lagos Oriental Hotel, bringing together experts, policymakers, researchers, industry stakeholders and development partners.
The event will feature presentations of three technical papers focusing on governance, technology and economic development within Africa’s maritime sector.
The papers include:
Transforming Ocean Data for Inclusive Governance: Strengthening Equity, Transparency and Community Participation in Africa’s Blue Economy.
Harnessing Geospatial Intelligence to Enhance Ocean Data Sharing and Marine Decision Support in Africa.
Transforming Ocean Data into Strategic Assets: Enabling Sustainable Offshore Energy and Indigenous Oil and Gas Leadership in Africa.
A high-level panel discussion is also expected to examine policy priorities and practical measures needed to strengthen ocean-data governance, infrastructure and capacity development across the continent.
Fadahunsi said the event is expected to produce several key outcomes, including increased awareness of the importance of S-100-based ocean-data services, stronger collaboration among maritime stakeholders and practical recommendations for improving data accessibility and interoperability.
He added that the discussions would also promote greater recognition of hydrography’s role in climate resilience, offshore operations, maritime security and sustainable economic growth.
The 2026 celebration aligns with broader international initiatives, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life Below Water) and the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030).
According to the NHA CEO, these global frameworks underscore the growing need for reliable ocean information to support marine conservation, sustainable resource management and climate adaptation.
By embracing the theme of transforming ocean-data sharing, Nigeria aims to strengthen its position as a key contributor to global efforts to modernize ocean-information systems for the benefit of shipping, coastal communities and environmental sustainability.
Fadahunsi called on media organizations to help raise public awareness about the significance of World Hydrography Day and the strategic role of the National Hydrographic Agency in advancing modern hydrographic standards and digital ocean-data services.
He also urged stakeholders across government, academia, industry and the maritime sector to support ongoing efforts to build safer, smarter and more sustainable oceans.
“As we say in the Nigerian Navy, Onward Together. Let us work collectively to transform how ocean data is shared today, so that we can secure safer, smarter and more sustainable oceans for tomorrow,” Rear Admiral Olumide said.
