The Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has emphasised the importance of manpower development in enhancing safety of navigation and advancing Nigeria’s blue economy.
The CNS made the remark during a courtesy visit by the Hydrographer of the Federation and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hydrography Agency, Rear Admiral Olumide Fadahunsi, at the Naval Headquarters in Abuja.
Speaking during the visit, Rear Admiral Fadahunsi appreciated the Nigerian Navy for its continued support to the Agency, noting that upon assumption of office, he undertook a review of the Agency’s operational activities and developed a strategic plan focused on manpower development.
According to him, strengthening human capacity remains critical to ensuring safe navigation and unlocking the economic potential of Nigeria’s maritime domain.
Fadahunsi noted that personnel of the Nigerian Navy make up a significant percentage of the Agency’s workforce, a development he said reflects the strong institutional relationship between both organisations.
He also disclosed plans to increase female participation in hydrography in line with the International Hydrographic Organisation’s objective of promoting broader inclusion of women in the profession.
In his remarks, Vice Admiral Abbas congratulated Rear Admiral Fadahunsi on his appointment and commended the strategic direction already introduced at the National Hydrographic Agency.
The CNS urged him to build on the achievements of his predecessor and assured the Agency of continued support, particularly in the areas of manpower assistance and capacity development.
According to the Naval Chief, a professionally trained hydrographic workforce remains vital to the operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Navy.
Vice Admiral Abbas further praised the Agency for its hydrographic activities in Cross River and Imo States, which he said have attracted widespread commendation.
He also encouraged the Agency to deepen local capacity development efforts by producing training charts for the Nigerian Defence Academy Naval Wing and Nigerian Navy training schools.
The meeting reaffirmed the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to strengthening hydrographic capability as a key component of maritime governance, safe navigation, and national economic growth.
