Nigerian Hydrography Agency Unveils $10m Revenue Potential from Electronic Charts
The National Hydrographic Agency, today, has disclosed that Nigeria could unlock up to $10 million in annual revenue through the full deployment of indigenous electronic navigation charts for its territorial waters.
This was announced by Rear Admiral Ayo Olugbode, the Hydrographer of the Federation, during a media briefing ahead of the 2025 World Hydrography Day.
According to Olugbode, the agency has already begun generating revenue through subscriptions from vessels accessing Nigeria’s digital navigation charts. These charts form part of the Electronic Navigational Chart Information System (ENCIS), which enables safer marine navigation.
“Right now, we’ve started receiving revenues from ships making port calls in Nigerian waters who subscribe to our charts. It functions like a digital subscription model, and the more charts we complete, the more value we can derive,” he said.
The global ENC market is valued at around $90 million annually. Nigeria’s share, Olugbode said, could reach between $9 million and $10 million once the nation completes its seabed mapping and modern chart production.
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Beyond revenue generation, the hydrographic products also support fisheries, aquaculture, and leisure navigation. The agency has partnered with fishing clubs, boat owners, and aquaculture enterprises to provide customized charts that guide safe operations at sea. It is also offering hydrographic data to coastal states for infrastructure planning and environmental protection.
Olugbode stressed that the agency’s goal is not just limited to Nigeria but extends to enabling hydrographic development across West Africa. “Hydrography is a shared responsibility. We are not just mapping Nigeria’s waters—we are helping neighboring countries benefit from our expertise and tools to improve safety and stimulate blue economy development,” he said.
In addition to domestic efforts, Nigeria has committed to supporting other West African nations with survey assets, personnel training, and access to bathymetric data, in alignment with the United Nations’ Seabed 2030 initiative.
He revealed that the agency has trained over 200 personnel, with a growing number of women now participating under the global Women in Hydrography program. Still, with only about 15% of needed personnel trained to global standards, he emphasized the need for greater investment in capacity development.
“Our work enables safer shipping, reduced insurance costs, better fisheries management, and smarter coastal development,” Olugbode stated.
“We’re building a future where hydrography doesn’t just guide ships—it powers economies.”
PRNigeria reports that the upcoming West African Hydrographic Summit and World Hydrography Day celebration in Abuja will bring together regional leaders, maritime stakeholders, and international experts to deepen collaboration and shape a shared hydrographic future.
By PRNigeria
