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LAGOS – Nigeria will join the global maritime community to commemorate the 2026 World Hydrography Day (WHD), with renewed emphasis on transforming the collection, management and sharing of ocean data to improve maritime safety, boost the blue economy and strengthen environmental sustainability.
The Hydrographer of the Federation and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hydrographic Agency (NHA), Rear Admiral Olumide Fadahunsi, disclosed this during a press briefing at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday.
He announced that Nigeria’s official World Hydrography Day celebration will hold on Saturday, June 20, at the Lagos Oriental Hotel, ahead of the global observance on June 21.
The 2026 celebration is themed, “Transforming How Ocean Data is Shared,” reflecting the International Hydrographic Organization’s (IHO) drive towards advanced S-100-based hydrographic data services aimed at improving navigation, maritime operations and ocean governance.
Fadahunsi explained that the transition includes the adoption of S-101 Electronic Navigational Charts (ENCs) and S-102 Bathymetric Surface products, which support the International Maritime Organization’s approved S-100 Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS) for global shipping.
He said although the theme centres on technical advancements, it was intentionally presented in simple language to engage policymakers, maritime operators, academics and the wider public.
According to him, modern hydrography and digital ocean data services have become indispensable to maritime safety, efficient shipping, offshore operations, fisheries management, environmental protection and coastal resilience planning.
“Hydrography remains the bedrock of maritime safety, ocean governance and environmental protection. By transforming how ocean data is organised, standardised and shared, Nigeria can reduce navigational risks, enhance maritime trade efficiency and contribute to safer regional and global sea lanes,” he said.
The event’s highlight will be a plenary session bringing together hydrographic experts, researchers, policymakers, industry leaders and development partners to examine strategies for improving ocean data sharing to strengthen navigation safety, maritime administration and Africa’s blue economy.
Participants will also deliberate on inclusive governance of Africa’s blue economy, the application of geospatial intelligence in marine decision-making, and the strategic use of ocean data to promote sustainable offshore energy development and indigenous participation in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
A high-level panel discussion is expected to produce recommendations on policy reforms, regulatory frameworks, infrastructure development and capacity building required to advance digital ocean-data systems in Nigeria.
Fadahunsi said the expected outcomes include greater awareness of S-100 hydrographic products and services, stronger collaboration among hydrographic institutions and maritime stakeholders, improved accessibility and interoperability of ocean data, and enhanced recognition of hydrography’s role in climate resilience, maritime security and sustainable economic growth.
He noted that Nigeria’s celebration aligns with global initiatives, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life Below Water) and the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030), both of which emphasise the importance of reliable ocean data in the sustainable management of marine resources.
The NHA chief called on the media to support efforts to raise public awareness of hydrography’s strategic importance and the agency’s commitment to implementing modern hydrographic standards through international collaboration.
“As we say in the Nigerian Navy, ‘Onward Together.’ Let us work collectively to transform how ocean data is shared today so that we can secure safer, smarter and more sustainable oceans for tomorrow,” Fadahunsi said.
