FG reaffirms commitment to making hydrography national priority

The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Muhammad Matawalle, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s hydrography system to support marine navigation, national defence and the blue economy.

According to a statement made available to defence correspondents in Abuja on Thursday by Queeneth Iheoma-Hart, Director of Information and Public Relations at the Ministry of Defence, Matawalle made this known 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 on a courtesy visit.

The minister explained that the Renewed Hope Administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remained fully committed to supporting the NHA and enhancing Nigeria’s hydrographic capabilities for effective data provision in maritime operations.

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

The minister noted that discussions focused on measures to expand Nigeria’s hydrographic capacity to enhance navigational safety, strengthen maritime security and support sustainable maritime development.

ALSO READ: Trump says ‘Praise be to Allah’, claims Iran is becoming a failed nation

He added that with strong policy frameworks already in place, Nigeria is well positioned to play a leading role in advancing hydrography across West Africa.

In his remarks, Rear Admiral Fadahunsi thanked the minister for his visionary leadership and assured him 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.