The Chairman of the House Committee on Navy, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, has reaffirmed the central role of hydrography in driving Nigeria’s blue economy, describing it as an economic necessity rather than a technical luxury.
Speaking at the 2025 World Hydrography Day celebration, Gagdi said that the event aim at uniting stakeholders committed to strengthening maritime security, economic growth, and sustainable ocean governance.
The Lawmaker emphasized that hydrography is not a technical add-on, but a strategic necessity that underpins every aspect of Nigeria’s maritime economy, from oil and gas operations to fisheries, transport, tourism, and coastal infrastructure.
“In the same breath, the blue economy which encompasses maritime transport, offshore oil and gas, aquaculture, tourism, marine biotechnology, and more relies fundamentally on hydrography to thrive. This is why hydrography is not a technical luxury, it is an economic necessity.”
Gagdi stated that without accurate and real-time hydrographic data, Nigeria cannot guarantee maritime safety or attract serious economic investment in its coastal and offshore sectors.
He maintained that hydrography enables safe navigation and efficient port operations, both of which are critical for international trade and national revenue generation.
“Safe navigation is the foundation of a stable maritime economy. Without reliable hydrographic data, our ports remain vulnerable, our coastal installations operate blindly and our shipping industry faces avoidable risks.”
The lawmaker argued that as global competition over ocean resources intensifies, any nation that ignores its hydrographic capacity risks falling behind economically and strategically.
“Hydrography is no longer a luxury or a secondary consideration, it is a core enabler of national power.”
He called on both the public and private sectors to recognize hydrography as the backbone of Nigeria’s blue economy, stressing the need for increased funding, skilled manpower, and modernized data systems.
Gagdi proposed clear policy actions, including digitization of hydrographic data and its integration into infrastructure planning, to ensure the maritime sector can attract investment and foster innovation.
He also highlighted the importance of international partnerships in building hydrographic competence, noting that technical cooperation is vital for Nigeria to remain competitive on the global stage.
“Hydrography is policy. Hydrography is security. Hydrography is prosperity.”
Gagdi pledged that the National Assembly will continue to give legislative backing to the growth of the hydrographic sector and ensure it remains a top national priority.
He urged that hydrographic data be seen not just as a tool for navigation but as a strategic asset to unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s marine economy.
