Manpower Development Critical to Blue Economy-CNS

By Zainab Uzomah|Abuja

The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has described manpower development as critical to safe navigation and the growth of Nigeria’s blue economy.

Vice Admiral Abbas stated this during a courtesy visit by the Hydrographer of the Federation and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hydrography Agency, Rear Admiral Olumide Fadahunsi, at the Naval Headquarters in Abuja.

Rear Admiral Fadahunsi, during the visit, appreciated the Nigerian Navy for its continued support to the agency and disclosed that the agency’s strategic plan would focus on manpower development to strengthen hydrographic operations and maritime safety.

He noted that Nigerian Navy personnel make up a significant portion of the agency’s workforce, reflecting the close institutional relationship between the Navy and the National Hydrography Agency.

The Hydrographer of the Federation also revealed plans to increase female participation in hydrography in line with the International Hydrographic Organisation’s goal of encouraging broader involvement of women in the profession.

In his remarks, the Chief of the Naval Staff congratulated Rear Admiral Fadahunsi on his appointment and commended the strategic direction introduced at the agency.

Vice Admiral Abbas assured the agency of continued support in manpower and capacity development, stressing that a professionally trained hydrographic workforce remains essential to Nigerian Navy operations.

The naval chief also praised the agency for its hydrographic activities in Cross River and Imo states, which he said had attracted national recognition.

He further encouraged the agency to strengthenlocal capacity development through the production of training charts for the Nigerian Defence Academy Naval Wing and Nigerian Navy training schools.

The Nigerian Navy said the engagement reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening hydrographic capability as part of efforts to improve maritime governance, safe navigation and national economic development.