Nigerian Navy marks World Hydrography Day, unveils Ondo-Lagos navigational chart

…Imo, Ondo Govs commend Navy’s opening of waterways

The Nigerian Navy on Wednesday joined the rest of the world to mark the 2023 World Hydrography Day as it unveiled seven new navigational charts for River Alape from Ilaje in Ondo State to Lagos sea as part of efforts to boost economic activities, including transportation, agriculture and tourism.

Speaking during the unveiling ceremony at the Nigerian Air force (NAF) conference centre in Abuja, the Chief of the Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, said the chart was built by the Nigerian Navy in collaboration with the Ondo state government.

Represented by the Chief of Training and Operations, Rear Admiral Solomon Agada, the CNS said the Navy is currently partnering with the Imo state government to open a sea channel from Oguta in Imo state to the Atlantic Ocean.

He thanked the Ondo state government for providing funding for the production of the Alape navigational chart.

According to him, the knowledge gaps regarding the present and future dynamics of the maritime environment has greatly affected the management and responses within Nigeria’s waters in terms of prevalent marine littering, indiscriminate resource extraction and sea blindness.

He said: “Today, conventional platforms cannot access many parts of our waters due to insufficient or lack of information that would guarantee their safety, thus creating a disconnect between policies, enforcement actions and the behaviour of the seafarers.

“This, therefore, necessitates a rethink towards developing the Digital Twin of our maritime environment to equip all stakeholders with accelerated knowledge of our waters for the purpose of eliciting the right responses towards improving the health of our ocean.

“To this end, the Nigerian Navy has commenced the collection and archiving of marine geo-spatial datasets through several hydrographic survey campaigns within our waters.”

He said currently, the Navy is conducting a pre-dredging survey of the proposed Oguta-Orashi Sea Access Route, from Oguta in Imo state to the Atlantic Ocean.

“Equally, the Service is surveying Nigeria’s coastal waters, with our recently acquired offshore survey vessel, NNS LANA.

“Additionally, the Nigerian Navy also has in its archives, a complete multi-beam hydrographic survey data of Nigeria’s offshore waters, from Lagos to Calabar,” he said.

In his remarks, the Special Guest of Honour, Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo state, said that the opening of the waterways would deepen the development of the economies of littoral states, adding that water bodies have historically been central to human evolution and civilisation.

He added that waterways have been playing significant roles and making invaluable contributions to the economies of many nations.

The governor said the hydrography project by the navy would provide vivid pictures of the nature and condition of waters to enable effective management for navigation.

Uzodinma said some of the littoral states have been working with the navy to facilitate navigation revolution in their states.

He commended Ondo State Government for engaging the services of the Nigerian navy to survey, chart and open Alape River, from Ilaje to Apapa in Lagos, to boost economic activities including transportation, agriculture and tourism.

According to him, this is a laudable milestone that will forever remain indelible in the history of Ondo state and Nigeria.

“As I speak to you, a team of highly dedicated and professional naval personnel are in Imo conducting the bridge region solvent of the sea, assessing development routes of the state starting from Oguta Lake through Orasi River to the Atlantic Ocean.

“When this is completed, it will afford the navy the opportunity of deploying platforms to enhance vital security in the area and also facilitate and optimise evacuation of abundant gas reserves, thereby adding to the economic development of our dear state in particular and that of Nigeria in general.

“I must acknowledge that the Nigerian navy has made significant strides in enhancing maritime domain awareness through hydrographic surveys and charting activities.

“These efforts led to the production of up-to-date national nautical charts, enabling several navigations and reducing risk, first by ships and seafarers operating within Nigerian waters, to a dedicated hydrographic practice,” he said.

Speaking, the Acting Governor of Ondo state, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, said the chart will serve as a catalyst for economic growth and job creation which will eventually attract local and foreign investment and bring new life to the state’s maritime sector.

He thanked the Nigerian Navy for going ahead with the Alape project despite economic challenges facing the nation.

He said: “Their unwavering commitment in going on with the Alape chart despite economic challenges deserve our utmost gratitude.

“The Alape chart meticulously crafted by the Nigerian Navy will serve as an invaluable resource for navigation along the Alape River. The chart will relay to us essential information and will add safety, efficiency and accuracy in maritime activity.

“The commitment of the navy to the development of the Alape chart speaks volumes about their dedication to service and their unwavering support for the growth of our nation. Their resilience and determination of overcoming challenges and delivery on their promise is actually commendable. “