Nigeria Strengthens Maritime Leadership as Rear Admiral Fadahunsi Emerges Vice Chairman of Eastern Atlantic Hydrographic Commission

The Hydrographer of the Federation and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hydrographic Agency, NHA, Rear Admiral OO Fadahunsi, has been elected Vice Chairman of the Eastern Atlantic Hydrographic Commission, EAtHC, for the 2026–2028 term.

His election was confirmed on Friday, 3 July 2026, during the ongoing EAtHC Conference in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, where member states endorsed him for one of the commission’s strategic leadership positions.

Established on 26 November 1984 under the auspices of the International Hydrographic Organization, IHO, the Eastern Atlantic Hydrographic Commission was founded by France, Nigeria, Portugal and Spain.

Over the past four decades, the commission has expanded to comprise 11 member states, 10 associate members and six observers committed to promoting hydrographic excellence across the Eastern Atlantic region.

The commission plays a key role in advancing hydrography, nautical cartography and maritime safety through capacity-building initiatives, the development and implementation of International, INT, Charts and Electronic Navigational Chart, ENC, schemes, improved hydrographic surveys, enhanced charting standards, effective dissemination of nautical information, and advocacy on the importance of hydrography to regional maritime development.

Since its inaugural conference in Paris, France, in April 1986, the EAtHC has convened biennially to strengthen collaboration among member states and guide hydrographic development.

In another development, Nigeria has been selected to host the next EAtHC Conference in June 2028.

The country will also host the 25th Meeting of the Capacity Building Sub-Committee, CBSC25, and the 19th Meeting of the Inter-Regional Coordination Committee, IRCC19, in June 2027. The hosting rights position Nigeria at the centre of major international hydrographic engagements over the next two years.

Rear Admiral Fadahunsi’s election is regarded as a reflection of Nigeria’s sustained investment in hydrographic development, maritime safety and regional cooperation. It also highlights growing international confidence in the National Hydrographic Agency’s contributions to safer navigation, marine resource management and the blue economy.

As Nigeria prepares to host leading hydrographers, maritime regulators and technical experts, the country is expected to further consolidate its role as a key driver of hydrographic innovation and maritime security in the Eastern Atlantic region.