Navy, NHS Call for Sustainable Management of Seas, Waterways

The Nigerian Navy and Nigerian Hydrographic Society (NHS) has called for programmes and policies aimed at the effective and sustainable management of the world as well as the nation’s seas and waterways.

The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral. Ibok-Ete Ibas, stated this on Tuesday in Abuja at the annual World Hydrography Day (WHD) as part of activities put in place to create awareness and enable sustainable management of sea and waterways.

Ibas, who was represented by the Chief of Training and Operation (CTOP), Rear Admiral Adeniyi Osinowo, said that the main purpose of WHD is to increase public awareness of the vital role that hydrography plays in everyone`s life.

He said: “It is gratifying to note that the essence of this celebration, is to bring the objectives and contemporaries of the International Hydrography Organisation (IHO) to the attention of wider audience and at the same time increase overall the public and political awareness of the vital role that hydrography plays in the various sectors of the economy world wide.

“The sustainable management of the oceans, controlling the impact of marine disaster and ensuring the integrity of the oceans are strongly influenced by our knowledge of the seas and oceans.”

The Naval Chief noted that the “safe and proper navigation, reduces incidents on the sea pollution and the consequent risk of spilling and pollution that damages our environment”.

At this junction, he said,  it is worthy to note that Nigeria is a significant factor and actor in IHO.

According to Ibas, the Nigerian Navy Hydrographic Office (NNHO), contributes to the development of the standard through participation in various special working groups.

He recalled that since 2005, the United Nations (UN) has set aside,  June 21st of every year, to mark world hydrography day, adding: “Nigeria as an active member of the IHO, is also joining other member states to celebrate this year`s WHD”.