LAGOS, NIGERIA
The former Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo (Rtd), has reaffirmed the Nigerian Navy’s unwavering commitment to expanding indigenous hydrographic capacity, enhancing sea lane security, and advancing the nation’s Blue Economy agenda.
Speaking at the commemoration of World Hydrography Day—held at the Admiralty Conference Centre, Naval Dockyard Limited, Victoria Island—Vice Admiral Gambo was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his transformative contributions to maritime governance. In his address, he emphasized the indispensable role hydrography plays in bolstering national economic growth, ensuring sustainable marine development, and guaranteeing maritime safety.
Key Highlights from the Address
- Advancing National Hydrographic Capability:
Vice Admiral Gambo commended the unveiling of indigenous nautical publications and Electronic Navigational Charts (ENCs) produced by the Nigerian Navy Hydrographic Office (NNHO). This milestone officially establishes Nigeria among an elite group of chart-producing nations capable of independently supporting safe navigation across its littoral waters.
- Systematic Ocean Surveys & Asset Deployment:
The former Naval Chief highlighted the strategic deployment of the hydrographic survey vessel NNS LANA, which has undertaken systematic survey operations across Nigeria’s coastal and offshore domain. The operationalization of such assets ensures comprehensive, up-to-date data coverage across more than 84,000 square nautical miles of territorial waters.
- Unlocking the Blue Economy & Inland Waterways:
Underscoring the ongoing tripartite collaboration between the Nigerian Navy, the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), and NEXIM Bank, Vice Admiral Gambo noted that surveying major inland channels—including the Niger and Benue Rivers—will unlock key trade routes, seamlessly connecting the hinterland to global maritime corridors.
- International Cooperation & Strategic Partnerships:
Vice Admiral Gambo acknowledged enduring bilateral relationships with key international hydrographic bodies, including the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) and the UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO), as well as partnerships with academic institutions. These alliances continue to build local capacity and foster research aligned with global ocean conservation targets.
Closing Remarks
Vice Admiral Gambo expressed profound appreciation to the Federal Government, the Ministry of Defence, and key maritime stakeholders for their sustained investments in modern surveying infrastructure. He called upon operators within the Nigerian maritime domain and members of the Nigerian Hydrographic Society to consolidate these foundational achievements to safeguard the nation’s maritime assets for future generations.
“Hydrography remains the bedrock of maritime safety, ocean governance, and national prosperity. Through continuous collaboration, systematic surveying, and indigenous chart production, the Nigerian Navy remains steadfast in securing our maritime domain to power Nigeria’s sustainable economic development.”
— Vice Admiral AZ Gambo (Rtd)
