The National Hydrographic Agency (NHA), Nigeria’s central authority for hydrographic and oceanographic activities, recently advanced maritime safety and regional development with the establishment of the International Centre for Electronic Navigational Charts (IC-ENC) West African Regional Office and Training Centre in Abuja. The centre positions Nigeria as a hub for hydrographic training, navigational charting, and technical capacity building across West Africa. Beyond its operational mandate, Chiemelie Ezeobi writes that it represents strategic investment in human capital and maritime infrastructure, directly supporting the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, which prioritises economic diversification, skills development, and regional leadership
When the National Hydrographic Agency (NHA) was established in 2022, following legislation enacted by the National Assembly on 21 February, its mandate was to serve as Nigeria’s central authority for hydrographic and oceanographic activities, advancing navigational safety and regional capacity building.
The creation of the agency marked a strategic move to strengthen maritime safety, support national defence, and drive economic development while reinforcing Nigeria’s role in regional and global maritime operations.
At its core, the NHA conducts hydrographic and oceanographic surveys, including ocean meteorology, to support safe navigation and provide accurate nautical charts, maritime safety information, and navigation data for ships in Nigerian waters.
The agency regulates hydrographic surveys nationwide to ensure compliance with international standards and represents Nigeria in global hydrographic matters under maritime treaties and conventions.
It also supports economic diversification through marine surveys and data services, while maintaining national hydrographic data and assisting in defining Nigeria’s maritime boundaries.
In essence, the NHA was established to enhance maritime safety, strengthen national security, meet international obligations, and contribute to Nigeria’s blue economy.
Governing Council Composition
To provide strategic oversight, the law establishing the agency created a Governing Council responsible for policy direction and governance, comprising the Minister responsible for Defence as Chairman; the Ministers responsible for Transportation, Justice, and Finance; the Chief of Defence Staff; the Chief of Naval Staff; the Surveyor General of the Federation; three presidential appointees; and the Hydrographer of the Federation as Secretary.
Significant Milestone of the IC-ENC West African Regional Office and Training Centre
Nigeria recently recorded a significant milestone in maritime development with the completion of the IC-ENC West African Regional Office and Training Centre in Abuja, serving as a regional hub for Electronic Navigational Chart charting, validation, training, and revenue generation.
Hosted by the NHA under Hydrographer of the Federation and CEO of the National Hydrographic Agency, Rear Admiral Ayodeji Olumide Olugbode, the development is widely seen as a strategic boost to maritime safety and economic growth.
The achievement reflects sustained policy direction and sectoral leadership, particularly under the Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises infrastructure development, economic diversification, and institutional capacity building.
This initiative also aligns with investments aimed at unlocking Nigeria’s maritime potential and positioning the country as a dominant force in Africa’s blue economy.
Rear Admiral Olugbode stated that the regional training centre is expected to strengthen maritime safety, expand hydrographic capacity, and unlock new economic opportunities across West Africa, while placing Nigeria among a select group of countries hosting IC-ENC regional offices globally, including the UK, US, Australia, and Brazil.
He stressed that the development underscores Nigeria’s growing leadership in Africa’s maritime and blue economy landscape and directly supports IC-ENC’s strategic objective to have the right size, skills, and structure for its members.
He added that during the IC-ENC Chair Team Meeting in London in May 2025, productive engagement with the global hydrography body highlighted the agency’s vital role in marine safety, environmental protection, and economic growth.
The exchange, he noted, underscored the significance of early stakeholder engagement and the agency’s dedication to propelling Nigeria’s maritime aspirations forward, adding that the regional outlook is crucial because ships move from port to port, which was why the initiative was taken to ensure the establishment of the centre.
Key Derivatives and What it Means for Nigeria, the Region
The IC-ENC West African Regional Office and Training Centre was established to expand regional presence and strengthen maritime safety through localised support and capacity building. The IC-ENC encourages developing regional offices worldwide to provide training, technical support, and validation services closer to member countries.
As part of this initiative, the NHA was endorsed to host the West African Regional Office and Training Centre, positioning Nigeria as a key maritime hub. The decision was driven by NHA’s statutory mandate to promote national and regional capacity in hydrography, nautical cartography, and marine geospatial sciences while fostering collaboration to strengthen Nigeria’s leadership in Africa’s blue economy.
The office was created to improve maritime safety, enhance cooperation among West African countries, and support economic development through more efficient maritime operations.
Key objectives include ensuring accurate and up-to-date Electronic Navigational Charts for safe regional navigation; providing training and technical development programmes to strengthen West African hydrographic offices; fostering regional cooperation among member states; and improving the efficiency and safety of maritime transport.
In practical terms, the centre positions Nigeria among a select group of countries hosting IC-ENC regional offices globally, underscoring the nation’s growing leadership in Africa’s blue economy and reinforcing its role as a strategic hub for maritime safety and hydrographic innovation.
What Will be Done in the Centre
The new regional office has a training and operational mandate to strengthen maritime safety, technical capacity, and professional competence. Thus, it will validate Electronic Navigational Charts produced in the region, provide technical support to member states, and serve as the primary contact for hydrographic services across West Africa.
The centre will ensure maritime data meets international standards, improving navigation safety, reducing accidents, and enhancing shipping efficiency. It will promote maritime safety through accurate and up-to-date charts while fostering regional cooperation and building technical capacity among hydrographic professionals.
Beyond safety, the centre will contribute to economic development by facilitating trade, commerce, and tourism through reliable maritime operations. It will offer internationally recognised courses in hydrography, marine cartography, and navigational safety, including foundation programmes, advanced cartographic techniques, and maritime safety information management.
Modern classrooms, simulation laboratories with navigation systems, and digital mapping studios support practical learning and data analysis and all programmes will meet international hydrographic standards and provide professional certification for participants across West Africa, thus helping build a skilled workforce in maritime technology and services.
Global Commendation
In his message to the NHA, James Harper, General Manager of the IC-ENC, described the establishment of the IC-ENC West African Regional Office and Training Centre in Abuja as a milestone for maritime development in the region. He noted that the West Africa Office concept was approved by the organisation’s global membership about a year ago and credited Rear Admiral Olugbode’s leadership for rapid progress.
Harper stated that the centre represents a step forward for hydrographic, cartographic, and marine transportation in West Africa, with the capacity to improve navigational safety, operational efficiency, and broader marine transport opportunities.
He emphasised that the facility aligns international and national aspirations for expanding hydrographic capacity and is positioned as a regional hub for electronic navigational charting, validation, training, and revenue generation.
He expressed confidence that the centre will operate to high international standards, promote professional ethics in hydrography, and contribute meaningfully to maritime safety and regional development.
As the clock winds down to Friday, April 10, 2026, for the unveiling, stakeholders opined that by enhancing professional expertise, promoting accurate navigational standards, and fostering collaboration among West African nations, the NHA, through the centre, is set to unlock new economic opportunities, improve maritime safety, and reinforce Nigeria’s emerging role as a regional maritime leader.
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