By Harriet Tornguvan
The Chief of the Naval Staff, Idi Abbas, has underscored the critical role of manpower development in enhancing maritime safety and driving the growth of Nigeria’s blue economy.
Vice Admiral Abbas stated this during a courtesy visit by the Hydrographer of the Federation and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hydrography Agency, Olumide Fadahunsi, at the Naval Headquarters in Abuja.
Speaking during the visit, Rear Admiral Fadahunsi commended the Nigerian Navy for its sustained support to the National Hydrography Agency, noting that upon assumption of office, he carried out a comprehensive review of the Agency’s operations and developed a strategic plan centred on manpower development.
According to him, strengthening human capacity is essential to ensuring safer navigation across Nigeria’s maritime domain and unlocking the vast economic opportunities embedded in the nation’s blue economy.
Fadahunsi observed that personnel from the Nigerian Navy constitute a significant proportion of the Agency’s workforce, a development he described as a reflection of the strong institutional partnership between both organisations.
He further revealed plans to boost female participation in hydrography in line with the objectives of the International Hydrographic Organisation aimed at encouraging greater inclusion of women in the profession.
In his remarks, Vice Admiral Abbas congratulated Rear Admiral Fadahunsi on his appointment and praised the strategic direction already introduced at the National Hydrography Agency.
The Naval Chief urged him to consolidate on the achievements of his predecessor and assured the Agency of continued support, particularly in the areas of manpower assistance and capacity building.
He stressed that a professionally trained hydrographic workforce remains indispensable to the operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Navy and maritime security architecture.
Vice Admiral Abbas also lauded the Agency’s hydrographic activities in Cross River and Imo states, noting that the efforts had attracted commendation from stakeholders.
He further encouraged the Agency to intensify local capacity development by producing training charts for the Nigerian Defence Academy Naval Wing and Nigerian Navy training institutions.
The meeting reaffirmed the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to strengthening hydrographic capabilities as a vital component of maritime governance, safe navigation and national economic development.
