The International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) Eastern Atlantic Hydrographic Commission (EAtHC) delegation, in company of the Director Hydrography, Rear Admiral GE Kwetishe, was warmly received by the Director General of International Maritime Institute of Nigeria (IMION), Rear Admiral Thaddeus Udofia (Rtd).
The IHO delegation comprised Capt Henri Dolou (Rtd) and Lt Cdr Gabin Sogorb, who also serves as the Capacity Building Coordinator of the EAtHC.
In his remarks, the Director Hydrography provided an overview of the objectives of the IHO delegation’s visit to Nigeria, underscoring the overarching goal of establishing a Regional Hydrographic Center of Excellence in the country. He emphasized that such a visit would be incomplete without the team engaging with IMION, given its central role in maritime knowledge and strategy development as a Think Tank chamber for the Maritime Stakeholders local and international.
The visiting IHO Team explained that the exercise forms part of a suitability assessment for establishing a Hydrographic Centre of Excellence for the English-speaking part of the West Africa, which is positively postponed for the slot.
Lt Cdr Gabin noted the need to train hydrographers, Oceanographers and Cartographers in the region. He also said that outside the West African region only Egypt has such an institute to train individuals in that field of study.
On his part, the Director General of IMION expressed delight at receiving the IHO team.
He highlighted IMION’s mandate as a strategic think-tank and research institute aimed at allied stakeholders among the Blue Economy Sector of Nigeria, the Gulf of Guinea nations and the world. He mentioned that IMION is saddled with the responsibility to conduct research in support of Nigeria’s Blue Economy and sustainable ocean governance in which hydrographic factors are key.
He further commended the efforts of the Nigerian Navy Hydrographic Department (NNHD) in advancing hydrographic development in the country. Additionally, he noted IMION’s readiness to establish strategic collaborations with French maritime institutes, as well as with other international institutions of excellence.
The visit of the IHO Team further reinforces Nigeria’s position as a key player in regional hydrography and represents another milestone in the country’s quest for greater involvement in global hydrographic initiatives. The visit concluded with an exchange of souvenirs and facility tour of the Institute.