Nigeria’s Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, has underscored the critical role of manpower development in ensuring safe navigation and driving Nigeria’s blue economy.
Speaking during a courtes visit by the Hydrographer of the Federation, Rear Adm. Olumide Fadahunsi, to Naval Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, Abbas reaffirmed the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to supporting the National Hydrographic Agency, particularly in the areas of manpower provision and capacity building.
According to the statement by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho, the Naval Chief noted that a highly skilled hydrographic workforce remained vital to naval operations and maritime domain awareness.
Abbas lauded the agency for its outstanding hydrographic activities in Cross River and Imo, which he said had earned widespread recognition and urged the agency to deepen local capacity development by producing training charts for institutions such as the Nigerian Defence Academy Naval Wing and Nigerian Navy Training Schools.
He congratulated Fadahunsi on his appointment and commended the strategic direction introduced under his leadership and urged the hydrographer to sustain the momentum by consolidating on the achievements of his predecessor.
Earlier, Fadahunsi expressed appreciation to the CNS for the Nigerian navy’s sustained support to the agency.
He said that on assumption of office, he conducted a comprehensive review of the agency’s operations and subsequently developed a strategic plan that prioritised manpower development as a key enabler for maritime safety and economic growth.
The hydrographer noted that the personnel of the Nigerian navy constituted a significant proportion of the agency’s workforce.
According to him, this underscores the longstanding institutional synergy between both organisations.
He revealed plans to boost female participation in hydrography in line with the global drive by the International Hydrographic Organisation to promote inclusivity and gender balance in the field.
The visit reinforced the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to strengthening hydrographic capabilities as a cornerstone of maritime governance, navigational safety and sustainable national development.
GIK/APA