The 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.
Abbas said this on Tuesday during a courtesy visit by the Hydrographer of the Federation, Rear Adm. Olumide Fadahunsi, to Naval Headquarters in Abuja.
This is contained in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho.
Abbas reaffirmed the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to supporting the National Hydrographic Agency, particularly in manpower provision and capacity building.
He noted that a highly skilled hydrographic workforce remained vital to naval operations and maritime domain awareness.
The CNS also lauded the agency for its hydrographic activities in Cross River and Imo, which he said had earned widespread recognition.
He 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.
He also encouraged 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 upon assuming office, he conducted a comprehensive review of the agency’s operations and developed a strategic plan prioritizing manpower development as a key enabler for maritime safety and economic growth.
The hydrographer noted that 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 organizations.
He further revealed plans to boost female participation in hydrography, in line with the global drive by the International Hydrographic Organization to promote inclusive 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.
