The Hydrographer of the Federation, Rear Admiral Ayodeji Olugbode, has emphasized the need to amplify the economic and ocean governance imperatives of hydrography across the entire West African sub-region.
He made this call while addressing journalists on the sidelines of the World Hydrography Day celebration in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
Emphasizing the theme of the event, “SEABED MAPPING, ENABLING OCEAN ACTION“, with the aim of the Seabed 2030 Initiative is to strengthen regional collaboration through the main West African Hydrographic Summit, foster joint surveys, share data platforms, feature keynote lectures and presentations advocating hydrography and seabed, making it a global program critical for the safety of navigation, climate resilience, environmental stewardship, and economic growth of the world.
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Rear Admiral Olugbode expressed hope to showcase innovations in hydrography technology through exhibitions and live demonstrations.
According to him, last year, they celebrated the role of hydrography in maritime safety while this year, they took a bold step by addressing regional gaps and aligning with global frameworks as well as regional frameworks, like the African-Continental Free Trade Agreement, the United Nations Sustainable Goal 12, titled Life Below Water.
“This emphasizes the critical importance of the ocean and marine resources to human well-being and the planet and the health of the planet. The sea, which accounts for 71% of the Earth’s surface and oceans, is a critical factor for the sustenance of mankind”, he said.
He noted the activities and highlights of the West African Hydrographic Summit and the 2025 Hydrographic Geyser Generation feature a packed package and agenda as follows.
“On June 19, 2025, the event will open with an exhibition and industry presentation, as well as showcasing the proposed West African Regional Office and Training Center for the National Center for Electronic and Mesmer Charts, which is going to be hosted by Nigeria. We also will showcase cutting-edge maritime and hydropic technologies, including unmanned vehicles and some AI technologies, which we have emplaced in the agency in the last one year.It is a global responsibility to everyone who seeks to live on this planet”, he added.
According to him, they mapped their oceans today to secure their future tomorrow.
“Like we say in the Navy, all work together and we will leave no one behind with our hydrographic paradigm and innovation for the future”, he said.
During interactive section, he emphasized that West African summit is to make sure that they leave no one behind.
“What you call it, a global action where we are going to be supporting our West African neighboring nations with our capacities in terms of human capabilities, our assets in terms of vessels”, he said.
In conclusion, the Rear Admiral said ”We want to ensure that the entire sub-region is mapped. We don’t want to just map Nigeria and forget about our ISN table. And that, to me, is us,fulfilling some global agenda”.