The Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Idi Abbas, has underscored the importance of manpower development in strengthening maritime safety and advancing Nigeria’s blue economy.
The CNS made the remark while receiving the Hydrographer of the Federation and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hydrographic Agency, Olumide Fadahunsi, during a courtesy visit to Naval Headquarters in Abuja.
Speaking during the visit, Rear Admiral Fadahunsi appreciated the Nigerian Navy for its continued support to the National Hydrographic Agency, noting that he had reviewed the agency’s operational activities upon assuming office and introduced a strategic plan focused on manpower development.
According to him, building professional capacity remains essential to ensuring safety of navigation and supporting the growth of Nigeria’s blue economy.
Fadahunsi also revealed that Nigerian Navy personnel make up a significant percentage of the agency’s workforce, describing it as evidence of the strong institutional relationship between both organisations.
He further stated that the agency plans to increase female participation in hydrography in line with the goals of the International Hydrographic Organisation aimed at promoting wider inclusion of women in the profession.
In his remarks, Vice Admiral Abbas congratulated the Hydrographer of the Federation on his appointment and expressed satisfaction with the strategic direction introduced at the agency.
The naval chief urged him to sustain and improve on the achievements of his predecessor, while assuring the agency of continued support in manpower development and capacity building.
He stressed that a professionally trained hydrographic workforce remains vital to Nigerian Navy operations and maritime governance.
The CNS also commended the National Hydrographic Agency for its hydrographic activities in Cross River and Imo states, which he said had attracted widespread commendation.
He further encouraged the agency to deepen local capacity development by producing training charts for the Naval Wing of the Nigerian Defence Academy and Nigerian Navy training schools.
The meeting, according to the Navy, reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening hydrographic capability as a strategic component of safe navigation, maritime governance and national economic development.
