Nigeria will join the global maritime community in commemorating World Hydrography Day (WHD) 2026 with a focus on modernising the way ocean data is collected, managed and shared to enhance maritime safety, economic growth and environmental sustainability.
Official Celebration in Lagos
Addressing newsmen at the National Hydrographic Agency (NHA) Headquarters in Abuja yesterday, the Hydrographer of the Federation and Chief Executive Officer of the NHA, Rear Admiral Olumide Fadahunsi, announced that Nigeria’s official WHD celebration will take place in Lagos on Saturday, June 20, 2026.
According to him, the theme, “Transforming How Ocean Data is Shared,” aligns with the agenda of the International Hydrographic Organisation (IHO) and highlights the transition to advanced S-100-based hydrographic data services. He listed the services to include S-101 Electronic Navigational Charts (ENCs) and S-102 Bathymetric Surface products, which support the International Maritime Organisation’s approved use of S-100 Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS) in global shipping.
Importance of Hydrography
The WHD is observed annually on June 21 to highlight the vital role of hydrography in improving maritime safety, supporting economic development, and protecting the marine environment worldwide. Admiral Fadahunsi noted that though the theme is rooted in technical developments, it was deliberately framed in accessible language to engage policymakers, industry stakeholders, academia and the public.
He noted that modern hydrography and digital ocean-data services play a critical role in maritime safety, efficient trade, offshore operations, environmental protection, fisheries management, and coastal resilience planning.
Fadahunsi further stated: “Hydrography remains the bedrock of maritime safety, ocean governance and environmental protection. By transforming how ocean data is organised, standardised and shared, Nigeria can reduce navigational risks, enhance maritime trade efficiency, and contribute to safer regional and global sea lanes.”
Plenary Session and Discussions
Meanwhile, hydrographic experts, researchers, policymakers, industry leaders and development partners are expected at the WHD plenary session to discuss how improved ocean-data sharing can strengthen navigation safety, maritime administration, and the Blue Economy across Nigeria and Africa.
The session will feature technical presentations on inclusive governance in Africa’s Blue Economy, the application of geospatial intelligence in marine decision-making, and the strategic use of ocean data to support sustainable offshore energy development and indigenous participation in the oil and gas sector.
Alignment with Global Initiatives
Fadahunsi emphasised that Nigeria’s celebration aligns with global initiatives such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life Below Water) and the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030), both of which underscore the importance of reliable ocean data for sustainable management of marine resources.
