Nigeria to Highlight Ocean Data Sharing at World Hydrography Day

Nigeria will join the international maritime community in marking World Hydrography Day (WHD) 2026, emphasizing the modernization of ocean data collection, management, and sharing to improve maritime safety, economic development, and environmental stewardship.

During a press briefing at the National Hydrographic Agency (NHA) headquarters in Abuja, Rear Admiral Olumide Fadahunsi, Hydrographer of the Federation and CEO of the NHA, announced that Nigeria’s official WHD event will be held on Saturday, 20 June 2026, at the Lagos Oriental Hotel in Lagos.

The 2026 WHD theme, “Transforming How Ocean Data is Shared,” aligns with the International Hydrographic Organization’s (IHO) agenda and highlights the shift to advanced S‑100‑based hydrographic data services. These services include S‑101 Electronic Navigational Charts (ENCs) and S‑102 Bathymetric Surface products, which support the International Maritime Organization’s approved use of S‑100 Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS) in global shipping.

Fadahunsi explained that although the theme is technically focused, it has been framed in accessible language to engage policymakers, industry stakeholders, academics, and the public. He said modern hydrography and digital ocean‑data services are essential for maritime safety, efficient trade, offshore operations, environmental protection, fisheries management, and coastal resilience planning.

“Hydrography remains the bedrock of maritime safety, ocean governance, and environmental protection. By transforming how ocean data is organized, standardized, and shared, Nigeria can reduce navigational risks, enhance maritime trade efficiency, and contribute to safer regional and global sea lanes,” he added.

Fadahunsi noted 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 emphasize the importance of reliable ocean data for the sustainable management of marine resources.

He reiterated that Nigeria’s participation supports these international efforts, underscoring the critical role of accurate and accessible ocean data in achieving sustainable development goals.