The Nigerian Navy High Command on Friday kicked off the celebration of the 2024 World Hydrography Day in Abuja which would last for the next one week
The Hydrographer of the Federation, Rear Admiral A O Olugbode, on behalf of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, rolled out the program of events for this year’s celebration with the theme, Hydrographic Information: Enhancing Safety, Efficiency, and Sustainability in Marine Activities” in Abuja at an international world Press Conference.
According to him, ‘this theme resonates deeply with the core principles of hydrography. Safety is paramount for all maritime stakeholders, and it hinges on accurate hydrographic data. This data allows seafarers to navigate confidently, mitigating risks associated with navigation hazards and ensuring the safety of lives and property at sea.
“Consider the impact of our hydrographic surveys on the Lagos Channel and Bonny River. These surveys identified and mitigated underwater hazards, significantly reducing maritime accidents.
He pointed out that the precision of the service charts had enabled vessels to navigate these busy waterways safely and efficiently, demonstrating the critical role of hydrography in maritime safety.
He further explained that “Efficiency lies at the heart of sustainable marine activities. Precise charting and mapping facilitate smoother and more economical maritime operations, minimising fuel consumption, reducing emissions, and optimising resource utilisation.
“For instance, optimised shipping routes based on accurate hydrographic data have led to reduced transit times and fuel consumption for vessels, resulting in cost savings for shipping companies and lower prices for consumers.
“Sustainability is a global imperative. We must tread lightly on our oceans and seas, preserving their fragile ecosystems for future generations. Hydrography provides the vital spatial data needed to manage marine resources responsibly, protect biodiversity hotspots, and combat the adverse impacts of climate change on our coastal environments. For example, our surveys have been crucial in planning and constructing new ports, such as the Lekki Deep Sea Port, transforming our trade landscape and enhancing our capacity to handle increased cargo volumes.
Speaking on the activities lined up for the celebration, he said, “Today, we formally kick off the 2024 World Hydrography Day celebration in Nigeria. From June 14 to June 19, we will deliver awareness lectures on hydrography to selected secondary schools in Abuja, Enugu, Lagos, and Port Harcourt. These lectures aim to inspire young minds to consider careers in hydrography, ensuring we have the human capacity to provide quality hydrographic services to Nigeria’s policymakers and mariners alike.
“On June 21, we will host a plenary session at the Nigerian Air Force Conference Center in Abuja. This session will bring together stakeholders and government officials for a one-day seminar to exchange knowledge and foster collaboration. Subject matter experts will present papers on the critical role of hydrographic data in promoting maritime safety and sustainable practices, aligned with this year’s theme
“During the plenary session, we will unveil the Revised National Charting Scheme, which addressed some gaps observed in the old scheme and provided an enduring framework for improved precision in navigational products.
“This new scheme includes geographic names, coordinates, and scale, which are crucial for safe navigation by mariners. safe navigation. Additionally, we will introduce the Catalogue of Nigerian Charts, enhancing accessibility to maritime resources, cataloguing existing charts, and detailing future productions. This ensures the maritime community has updated information for timely and effective decision-making.
“At the exhibition stand, stakeholders in hydrography will display their products and interact with users to improve hydrographic service delivery in Nigeria.
“The activities lined up for the 2024 World Hydrography Day celebration aim to create awareness and elicit the right response for the sustainable management of hydrographic information
“These efforts will harness the full potential of hydrographic data for the benefit of Nigeria’s Blue Economy, supporting maritime safety and fostering economic development.”
He called on all maritime stakeholders, academia, hydrographic practitioners, and policymakers to grace the 2024 World Hydrography Day celebration in Nigeria.
He appreciated the contribution of the present Chief of Naval Staff in the development of the Hydrography Department of the Nigerian Navy especially in the area of training in the anal of the Service.
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