Abuja: The Hydrographer of the Federation, Rear Admiral Ayo Olugbode, has projected that Nigeria can generate up to $10 million in revenue annually through indigenous electronic navigation charts for West Africa’s territorial waters. Olugbode, the Chief Executive Officer of the National Hydrographic Agency (NHA), highlighted this potential while addressing newsmen about the upcoming 2025 World Hydrography Day, scheduled to be celebrated from June 19 to June 21 in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the global Electronic Navigational Chart (ENC) market is valued at approximately $90 million annually. Olugbode suggested that Nigeria’s share could reach up to $10 million. He explained that once Nigeria’s national waterways are fully mapped, revenue could approach $9 to $10 million. The NHA has advanced from manual and paper chart production to electronic formats.
The agency plans to produce electronic charts for the West African sub-region after completing Nigeria’s seabed mapping and modern chart production. These charts are part of the Electronic Navigational Chart Information System (ENCIS), which enhances marine navigation safety. Olugbode noted that the NHA has begun generating revenue for the Federation Account through subscriptions from vessels accessing Nigeria’s digital navigation charts.
Olugbode explained that the subscription model functions like a digital service, with revenue increasing as more charts are completed and more ships make port calls in Nigerian waters. Beyond revenue, the hydrographic products support fisheries, aquaculture, and leisure navigation. The agency has partnered with fishing clubs, boat owners, and aquaculture enterprises to provide customized charts for safe sea operations.
He also mentioned that the NHA offers hydrographic data to coastal states for infrastructure planning and environmental protection. The agency collaborates with the aqua tourism industry and maintains partnerships with the Yacht Club in Lagos, the Boat Club in Apapa, and the Yacht Club in Ikoyi.
Olugbode emphasized that the agency’s goals extend beyond Nigeria to fostering hydrographic development across West Africa. Hydrography is a shared responsibility, with Nigeria aiding neighboring countries through survey assets, personnel training, and access to bathymetric data, in line with the United Nations’ Seabed 2030 initiative.