By Omoyeni Ojeifo
In a bid to strengthen maritime safety and coordination, the Federal Government is deploying a unified ocean data-sharing system.
This initiative is designed to streamline operations, reduce risks, and improve decision-making across Nigerian waters.
The Hydrographer of the Federation and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hydrographic Agency (NHA), Rear Admiral Olumide Fadahunsi, disclosed this at the 2026 World Hydrography Day press briefing in Abuja, on Tuesday.
At a recent briefing, Persecondnews reports on the upcoming June 20 celebration, themed “Transforming How Ocean Data is Shared,” which highlights a renewed focus on maritime safety and data integration.
Fadahunsi noted that the initiative will establish a shared, reliable, and standardized ocean data system to streamline operations across all maritime agencies.
“Hydrography is that science that tells you how deep a particular area of our water is and identifies wrecks or obstructions to navigation in that area,” he said.
He explained that the International Hydrographic Organization’s S-100 framework is central to this transformation, with key products such as S-101 Electronic Navigational Charts and S-102 Bathymetric Surface Data forming the backbone of modern navigation systems.
Fadahunsi said the shift to modern digital ocean data services is central to improving coordination, safety and efficiency in maritime operations.
He explained that when agencies operate with incomplete or duplicated data, it limits their ability to accurately assess underwater conditions, hazards and movements within the maritime environment.
“For the Navy or any other agency involved in securing our maritime space, they need all this information because it ensures they are not exposed to avoidable risks while carrying out their mandate,” he stressed.
He added that hydrographic data is critical to every maritime operation because it provides the operational intelligence needed to move safely and effectively at sea.
“Beyond that, hydrography provides additional data that gives complete maritime domain awareness for our security agencies. It also includes underwater and water column information required for operational planning and safe navigation.”
Fadahunsi stressed that improved data sharing among agencies would eliminate duplication of surveys, reduce costs and improve national efficiency.
“As it is at the moment, you see different agencies can survey the same area at the same period, but if we share data, there is no need to survey the same area twice,” he said. The country saves resources. You can survey once and share data,” he added.
The NHA Boss noted that the Lagos celebration will feature a plenary session, exhibitions, technical paper presentations and panel discussions involving stakeholders across the maritime sector.
He disclosed that three technical papers will be presented at the session, focusing on governance, geospatial intelligence and offshore energy development within the framework of modern ocean data systems.
“The plenary will examine how improved ocean data sharing can strengthen application safety, maritime administration and economic growth in Nigeria and across Africa,”he emphasized.
Fadahunsi further urged stakeholders to support stronger collaboration and awareness on modern hydrography and its role in national development.
“Our unity in transforming how ocean data is shared dissolves traditional boundaries to unify security, safety and sustainable development,” he stressed
Nigeria’s observance of World Hydrography Day aligns with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life Below Water) and the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, both aimed at improving ocean data for sustainable use of marine resources and climate resilience.