By Fredrick Ameh
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the National Hydrographic Agency have strengthened their collaboration to improve maritime safety.
Both organizations at a meeting pledged to increase the use of locally developed nautical charts and hydrographic communication tools to guarantee improved safety in the maritime sector.
Speaking during a working visit to the management of NIMASA, the Hydrographer of the Nation, Rear Admiral Olumide Fadahunsi commended NIMASA’s commitment to maritime safety and assured the agency of continuous cooperation from the National Hydrographic Agency in providing hydrographic services to Nigeria’s maritime sector.
He noted that improved compliance with locally generated hydrographic information would strengthen navigational safety, maritime security, and the effective management of Nigeria’s territorial waters.
“Hydrography remains a critical component of maritime safety and national development. 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 stated.
In his remarks, the Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, said the agency is focused on improving Maritime Safety Information infrastructure, strengthening enforcement strategies, and promoting continuous capacity building to enhance hydrographic services in Nigeria.
“At NIMASA, we recognize 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,” Mobereola said.
The collaboration between both agencies is expected to support NIMASA’s statutory mandate of ensuring the safety of navigation and shipping through the deployment and enforcement of accurate and up-to-date navigational charts for safe maritime operations.