About Us
Our Commitment to Safe Navigation
The National Hydrographic Agency (NHA) was established by an Act of Parliament of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and officially began operations on February 21, 2022. This legislative milestone marked a significant transition, transferring the responsibility for hydrographic and navigational charting matters from the Nigerian Navy Hydrographic Office (NNHO) to the NHA.
Historically, the Nigerian Navy, through the NNHO, was mandated by the Nigerian Constitution of 1999 and the Armed Forces Act Cap A20 Laws of the Federation, to oversee hydrographic and oceanographic surveys within Nigerian waters, extending to the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The NNHO served as the national authority for hydrographic, charting, and tidal matters. This transition to the NHA reflects a commitment to modernizing and expanding Nigeria’s hydrographic capabilities to support safe navigation and sustainable maritime development.
Overview of hydrography?
Hydrography has evolved from its traditional role of charting for safe navigation to a comprehensive discipline that underpins global trade, marine safety, environmental conservation, and economic development.
Modern hydrography involves the precise measurement and description of the physical features of oceans, seas, rivers, and lakes, along with their dynamic processes. It provides critical data for diverse applications, including coastal zone management, maritime boundary delimitation, disaster risk reduction, and offshore resource exploration.
Current global trends emphasize hydrography’s role in sustainable ocean governance and its potential to unlock opportunities within the blue economy, such as renewable energy, aquaculture, and eco-tourism.
What we do
The National Hydrographic Agency (NHA) plays a pivotal role in advancing Nigeria’s and the Gulf of Guinea’s maritime capabilities through several critical functions. These include the development of national hydrographic capacity and expertise, enabling effective management of marine resources.
We produce cutting-edge digital navigational products to ensure maritime safety and efficiency, broadcast vital maritime safety information to support secure navigation, and collect hydrographic intelligence to bolster national defense and security.
Additionally, the NHA actively supports Nigeria’s Blue Economy by facilitating sustainable ocean resource utilization, promoting maritime trade, and fostering economic growth through innovative hydrographic solutions and services.
Why we do what we do
We often overlook what lies beneath the water's surface, but the seabed plays a far more significant role in our lives than we realize.
From ocean conservation and climate change to national security and economic prosperity, mapping the seabed is crucial. It not only ensures safe maritime navigation for the transport of 90% of global trade but also supports the sustainable management of our marine environment.
While over 70% of the Earth's surface is covered by water, only a small fraction has been fully mapped, leaving much to be discovered.
Our Products
Data Collection
Conduct hydrographic surveys to collect bathymetric data for nautical charts. Conduct of oceanographic surveys for current, wave measurements.
Product Development
Creation of paper and electronic navigational charts and other nautical products to enhance safe and efficient navigation.
Product Distribution
Distribute nautical charts in a wide variety of formats including paper, raster and electronic formats.
