The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the National Hydrographic Agency are stepping up efforts to drive the adoption of locally produced nautical charts and hydrographic communication tools in a move aimed at strengthening maritime safety across Nigeria’s waters.
The renewed commitment emerged during a working visit by the Hydrographer of the Nation, Rear Admiral Olumide Fadahunsi, to the management of NIMASA, where both agencies explored deeper collaboration to improve navigation, maritime security and operational efficiency within the country’s maritime domain.
Fadahunsi commended NIMASA’s leadership for its sustained commitment to maritime development and safety, while reaffirming the National Hydrographic Agency’s readiness to continue supporting the sector through the provision of critical hydrographic services.
He stressed that wider compliance with locally generated hydrographic information would significantly enhance navigational safety, bolster maritime security and improve the management of Nigeria’s territorial waters.
“Hydrography remains a critical component of maritime safety and national development. Strengthening collaboration between the National Hydrographic Agency and NIMASA will enhance navigational safety, improve maritime security, and support sustainable growth within Nigeria’s maritime domain,” he said.
Director-General of NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola, said the agency was intensifying efforts to strengthen Maritime Safety Information infrastructure, improve enforcement strategies and promote continuous capacity building to advance hydrographic services in Nigeria.
According to Mobereola, collaboration among maritime institutions remains vital to achieving safer and more efficient waterways, adding that NIMASA would continue to support initiatives aimed at improving operational standards and driving growth within the maritime sector.
“At NIMASA, we recognise that effective collaboration among maritime institutions is essential to achieving safer and more efficient waterways. We remain committed to supporting initiatives that strengthen maritime safety, improve operational standards, and enhance the overall growth of Nigeria’s maritime sector,” he said.
The partnership between both agencies is expected to reinforce maritime administration in Nigeria and support NIMASA’s statutory responsibility of ensuring safe navigation and shipping through the deployment and enforcement of accurate and up-to-date navigational charts critical to efficient maritime operations.