By Nkechi Eze
The Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has underscored the importance of manpower development in enhancing the 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, to the Naval Headquarters in Abuja.
In an official signed statement, Director Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, disclosed that Rear Admiral Fadahunsi appreciated the Chief of the Naval Staff for the continued support extended to the National Hydrography Agency.
According to the statement, the Hydrographer of the Federation revealed that upon assuming office, he conducted a review of the operational activities of the Agency and developed a strategic plan focused on manpower development as a major driver for safe navigation and the growth of Nigeria’s blue economy.
Rear Admiral Fadahunsi noted that personnel of the Nigerian Navy make up a significant percentage of the Agency’s workforce, describing it as evidence of the strong institutional relationship between the Agency and the Service.
He also stated that the Agency 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 Idi Abbas congratulated Rear Admiral Fadahunsi on his appointment and expressed satisfaction with the strategic direction introduced at the National Hydrography Agency.
The CNS urged the Hydrographer of the Federation to build on the achievements and legacy of his predecessor while assuring him of continued support in the areas of manpower development and capacity building.
Vice Admiral Abbas stressed that a professionally trained hydrographic workforce remains essential to the operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Navy.
The Chief of the Naval Staff also commended the National Hydrography Agency for its hydrographic activities in Cross River and Imo States, which he said had attracted widespread commendation.
He further encouraged the Agency to strengthen local capacity development by producing training charts for the Naval Wing of the Nigerian Defence Academy and Nigerian Navy training institutions.
The engagement, according to the statement, reaffirmed the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to strengthening hydrographic capability as a strategic component of maritime governance, safe navigation, and national economic development.
