The Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has said a professionally trained hydrographic workforce remains vital to the operations of the Nigerian Navy.

Vice Admiral Abbas made the remark while receiving the Hydrographer of the Federation and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hydrographic Agency, Rear Admiral Olumide Fadahunsi, during a courtesy visit to the Naval Headquarters in Abuja.

He assured the Hydrographer of the Federation of the Navy’s continued support in the areas of manpower development and capacity building.

The CNS also commended the National Hydrographic Agency for its outstanding hydrographic activities in Cross River State and Imo State, noting that the achievements had attracted widespread commendation.

He further encouraged the Agency to strengthen local capacity development through the production of training charts for the Naval Wing of the Nigerian Defence Academy and Nigerian Navy training schools.

In a statement, the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, said the CNS congratulated Rear Admiral Fadahunsi on his appointment and expressed satisfaction with the strategic direction already introduced at the National Hydrographic Agency. 

He also urged him to build on the legacy of his predecessor.

Earlier, Rear Admiral Fadahunsi expressed appreciation to the CNS for the continued support extended to the Agency.

He said that upon assuming office, he reviewed the operational activities of the National Hydrographic Agency and developed a strategic plan focused on manpower development as a critical enabler for safe navigation and the advancement of Nigeria’s blue economy.

The Hydrographer of the Federation noted that Nigerian Navy personnel constitute a significant proportion of the Agency’s workforce, reflecting the strong institutional relationship between the Agency and the Service.

He added that the Agency plans to increase female participation in hydrography in line with the goal of the International Hydrographic Organization to promote broader participation of women in the field.

The engagement reaffirmed the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to strengthening hydrographic capability as a strategic component of maritime governance, safe navigation, and national economic development.

Linus Aleke