Nigeria has taken a commanding role in Africa’s quest to advance hydrography, oceanography, and marine cartography, positioning itself as a continental hub for maritime innovation, data sharing, and blue economy growth. This came to the fore at the African Cooperation Seminar on Hydrography, Oceanography, and Marine Cartography, held in Casablanca, Morocco, from 8 to 10 October 2025.
Delivering a paper titled “Progress Made in Hydrography and Marine Cartography in Nigeria,” the Hydrographer of the Federation and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hydrographic Agency (NHA), Rear Admiral Ayo Olugbode, showcased Nigeria’s expanding influence in regional and global hydrographic initiatives.
He revealed that Nigeria has contributed 85,385 square kilometres of bathymetric data to the IHO/IOC GEBCO Seabed 2030 project, underscoring the nation’s commitment to data-driven ocean governance and sustainable maritime management.
Rear Admiral Olugbode further disclosed that the International Centre for Electronic Navigational Charts (IC-ENC) has approved the establishment of the West African Regional Office and Training Centre in Nigeria, a milestone that cements the country’s leadership in hydrographic capacity building and regional cooperation.
“The NHA remains committed to advancing hydrography as a foundation for maritime safety, environmental stewardship, and the blue economy,” Rear Admiral Olugbode stated, reaffirming Nigeria’s dedication to driving innovation and regional synergy.
He also commended the Kingdom of Morocco, the Royal Moroccan Navy, and international partners including the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO), SHOM, and PRIMAR for their roles in organizing the high-level forum.
The seminar, convened under the auspices of the Royal Moroccan Navy, drew participants from across Africa, featuring policymakers, defence officials, and technical experts. Dignitaries who addressed the event included Morocco’s Minister Delegate for National Defence, Rear Admiral Mohamed Tahin; IHO Technical Director, Dr. John Nyberg; and Mr. Pierre Yves Dupuy of SHOM, among others.
Discussions focused on enhancing African–Atlantic cooperation in marine sciences and cartography, with Nigeria advocating the adoption of Regional Marine Spatial Data Infrastructures (MSDI) to support maritime safety, environmental sustainability, and regional infrastructure development — notably the Nigeria–Morocco Transatlantic Gas Pipeline project.
Other presentations highlighted strategic projects such as the Africa–Atlantic Gas Pipeline, IHO-certified Hydrography Training Courses, and the “All-Atlantic Alliance” training initiative aimed at fostering cross-border expertise.
Delegates also toured the Moroccan Navy Hydrographic Ship, BHODar-al-Beida, to observe state-of-the-art survey systems and exchange technical insights.
At the end of the three-day seminar, participants adopted resolutions calling for expanded IHO capacity-building programmes, joint training missions, and increased African contributions to the Seabed 2030 project. Nigeria’s collaboration with Morocco in establishing a Regional Hydrographic Training Centre of Excellence received widespread commendation.
The seminar concluded with recognition of Mr. Hicham Moudni, Head of Maritime Affairs within Morocco’s National Defence Administration, for his exemplary coordination, symbolizing Africa’s united stride towards collective maritime advancement.