NIMASA AND NATIONAL HYDROGRAPHIC AGENCY STRENGTHEN PARTNERSHIP FOR SAFER NIGERIAN WATERS

NIMASA AND NATIONAL HYDROGRAPHIC AGENCY STRENGTHEN PARTNERSHIP FOR SAFER NIGERIAN WATERS
By Prince Benson Davies

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the National Hydrographic Agency have moved to deepen collaboration on the production and use of locally developed nautical charts and hydrographic communication tools, with the aim of boosting navigational safety and maritime security across Nigeria’s waters.

The commitment was reached during a working visit by the Hydrographer of the Nation, Rear Admiral Olumide Fadahunsi, to the management of NIMASA at the Agency’s headquarters in Lagos.

Rear Admiral Fadahunsi commended NIMASA for its sustained efforts in advancing maritime safety and national development. He assured the Agency of the National Hydrographic Agency’s continued support in delivering reliable hydrographic services to the sector. According to him, wider adoption of locally generated hydrographic data would directly improve navigational safety, strengthen maritime security, and enhance the management of Nigeria’s territorial waters.

“Hydrography remains a critical component of maritime safety and national development. Strengthening collaboration between the National Hydrographic Agency and NIMASA will enhance navigational safety, improve maritime security, and support sustainable growth within Nigeria’s maritime domain,” he stated.

Responding, the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, said the agency is prioritizing the upgrade of maritime safety information infrastructure, refining enforcement mechanisms, and investing in continuous capacity building to improve the quality and reach of hydrographic services in Nigeria. He stressed that working closely with the National Hydrographic Agency is central to achieving those objectives.

“At NIMASA, we recognize that effective collaboration among maritime institutions is essential to achieving safer and more efficient waterways. We remain committed to supporting initiatives that strengthen maritime safety, improve operational standards, and enhance the overall growth of Nigeria’s maritime sector,” Mobereola said.

The engagement signals a coordinated push to ensure that Nigerian mariners and port users rely increasingly on accurate, up to date navigational products produced within the country. Officials noted that this will reduce dependence on foreign charts, cut costs for operators, and align with national content goals in the maritime space.

Through the renewed partnership, both agencies intend to accelerate the deployment and enforcement of precise navigational charts, reinforce compliance with safety standards, and support NIMASA’s statutory mandate under the NIMASA Act to ensure safe navigation and secure shipping in Nigerian waters.

Photo Caption
The Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, with the Hydrographer of the Federation, Rear Admiral Olumide Fadahunsi, during a meeting at the NIMASA Headquarters, Lagos.
Right to left: Dr. Dayo Mobereola, Rear Admiral Olumide Fadahunsi, and Executive Director, Finance and Administration, NIMASA, Mr. Chudi Offodile, during the meeting at the NIMASA Headquarters, Lagos.