NIMASA, hydrography agency strengthen collaboration on maritime safety

LAGOS – Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the National Hydrographic Agency are exploring stronger collaboration to boost the use of locally developed nautical charts for safer navigation and improved maritime operations.
This was disclosed in a statement on Sunday by NIMASA Head of Public Relations, Mr Edward Osagie, following a visit by the Hydrographer of the Nation, Rear Admiral Olumide Fadahunsi, to the agency’s headquarters in Lagos.

Fadahunsi commended NIMASA for its ongoing partnership with the National Hydrographic Agency, assuring sustained cooperation in the provision of hydrographic services to the maritime sector.

He said promoting locally produced nautical charts and hydrographic tools would strengthen maritime safety, security and efficient management of Nigeria’s territorial waters.

“Hydrography remains a critical component of maritime safety and national development,” Fadahunsi said.

“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 added.

In his remarks, the Director-General of NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola, said the agency was prioritising Maritime Safety Information infrastructure, stronger enforcement systems and capacity development to improve hydrographic services.

He said collaboration with the National Hydrographic Agency remained central to achieving these objectives.

Mobereola said, “At NIMASA, we recognise 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.”

He added that the partnership would further strengthen maritime administration and support NIMASA’s mandate on safety of navigation through the deployment of accurate and up-to-date nautical charts for safe shipping operations.