Rear Admiral O.O. Fadahunsi, Hydrographer of the Federation and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hydrographic Agency (NHA), has been elected Vice Chairman of the Eastern Atlantic Hydrographic Commission (EAtHC) for the 2026–2028 term.
Member states endorsed his election on Friday, 3 July, during the commission's conference in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, handing Nigeria one of the organisation's principal leadership positions.
The appointment adds to Nigeria's growing responsibilities within the international hydrographic community, where the country's work in navigational safety, hydrographic surveying and marine resource management has continued to attract wider recognition.
The Eastern Atlantic Hydrographic Commission was established on 26 November 1984 under the auspices of the International Hydrographic Organisation (IHO) by France, Nigeria, Portugal and Spain. Four decades later, its membership has expanded to 11 member states, 10 associate members and six observers working to strengthen hydrographic cooperation across the Eastern Atlantic.
Its mandate covers capacity-building initiatives, Electronic Navigational Chart (ENC) schemes, improved hydrographic surveys, higher charting standards, the dissemination of nautical information and advocacy on the role of hydrography in maritime development. These activities support safer navigation while strengthening marine governance and the sustainable growth of the blue economy throughout the region.
Since its inaugural conference in Paris, France, in April 1986, the commission has met every two years to review technical progress, promote cooperation among member states and advance regional hydrographic development.
Nigeria will also host a series of major international hydrographic meetings over the next two years. The country has been selected as host of the next Eastern Atlantic Hydrographic Commission Conference in June 2028. Earlier, in June 2027, it will host the 25th meeting of the Capacity Building Sub-Committee (CBSC25) and the 19th meeting of the Inter-Regional Coordination Committee (IRCC19).
Rear Admiral Fadahunsi will serve as Vice Chairman until 2028. During the same period, Nigeria will host CBSC25, IRCC19 and the next EAtHC Conference, placing the country at the heart of the commission's programme of work as leading hydrographers, maritime regulators and technical experts gather to shape the future of hydrography, navigation safety and maritime cooperation across the Eastern Atlantic.
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