Day: June 14, 2024

The Hydrographer of the Federation, Rear Adm. Ayodeji Olugbode says the Nigerian Navy is fully equipped to produce up-to-date navigational charts and hydrographical data for the development of the nation’s blue economy.

Olugbode, who is also the Hydrographer of the Navy and Chief Executive Officer, National Hydrographic Agency, said this while briefing newsmen on the 2024 World Hydrography Day Celebration on Friday in Abuja.

He said the theme for the 2024 World Hydrography Day is ‘Hydrographic Information: Enhancing Safety, Efficiency, and Sustainability in Marine Activities.’

Olugbode said the Nigerian navy had since the acquisition of its OCEA-built vessel, OSV 190 ‘NNS LANA, delivered in 2021 and recent OSV 115, had been able to boost Nigeria’s hydrographical data.

He said that Nigeria no longer rely on foreign charts, adding that the navy had over the years, developed capability in house and could rapidly get data updated.

According to him, we don’t need to wait for anybody to validate our data anym
ore and we no longer need to send data abroad for validation.

Olugbode said the field of hydrography was crucial for safe navigation, marine resource management, and environmental protection.

‘This year, we continue this journey by focusing on the significance of accurate and up-to-date hydrographic data in ensuring safe navigation, optimising operational efficiency, and promoting sustainable practices in the maritime industry.

‘This theme resonates deeply with the core principles of hydrography. Safety is paramount for all maritime stakeholders, and it hinges on accurate hydrographic data.

‘This data allows seafarers to navigate confidently, mitigating risks associated with navigation hazards and ensuring the safety of lives and property at sea.

‘For example, our surveys have been crucial in planning and constructing new ports, such as the Lekki Deep Sea Port, transforming our trade landscape and enhancing our capacity to handle increased cargo volumes,” he said.

The hydrographer said that the navy ha
d also been working with key stakeholders to ensure that its products were properly utilised, to sustain the nation’s blue economy.

He said the 2024 celebration would commence on June 14 to June 19, featuring awareness lectures on hydrography to selected secondary schools in Abuja, Enugu, Lagos, and Port Harcourt.

The lectures, according to him, is aimed at inspiring young minds to consider careers in hydrography, ensuring we have the human capacity to provide quality hydrographic services to Nigeria’s policymakers and mariners alike.

He added that there would be a one-day seminar to exchange knowledge and foster collaboration on the critical role of hydrographic data in promoting maritime safety and sustainable practices.

‘Additionally, we will introduce the Catalogue of Nigerian Charts, enhancing accessibility to maritime resources, cataloging existing charts, and detailing future productions.

‘This ensures that the maritime community has updated information for timely and effective decision-making.

‘
The activities lined up for the 2024 World Hydrography Day celebration aim to create awareness and elicit the right response for the sustainable management of hydrographic information.

‘These efforts will harness the full potential of hydrographic data for the benefit of Nigeria’s Blue Economy, supporting maritime safety and fostering economic development,” he added (www.nannews.ng)

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Stakeholders say technological innovation, substantial investments, and effective policy frameworks are critical to securing Africa’s sustainable energy future.

The stakeholders spoke at the Africa Gas Innovation Summit (AGIS) 2024, held in Abuja on Thursday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the summit’s theme is ‘Igniting the Future: Driving Sustainability in Africa’s Energy Landscape through Gas Technology and Innovation’.

Mr Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, said technology and innovation played a pivotal role in reshaping Africa’s energy sector.

Mr Olalekan Ogunleye, the Executive Vice-President Gas, Power and New Energy, NNPC Ltd, represented Kyari.

‘There is no doubt that technology and innovation remain key levers for growth and development, as can be seen in the drastic transformation of our industry,’ Kyari said.

He elaborated on NNPC’s strategic focus on research and technological advancements, underscoring the establishment of a dedicated entity for rese
arch, technology, and innovation (RTI).

He said; ‘the NNPC’s initiatives have led to significant progress, particularly in seismic mapping and multivariate analysis for evaluating source rock potential.

‘Indeed, today, the RTI is the hub of the NNPC due to the great emphasis on research and innovation.

‘I am urging the participants to embrace the challenge of providing customised solutions aligned with the priorities of the African energy sector.”

Kyari expressed NNPC’s commitment to leveraging gas technology and innovation to enhance sustainability in Africa’s energy landscape.

‘NNPC is pleased and proud to have this veritable summit join it in its quest to ignite the future and increase sustainability in Africa’s energy landscape,’ he said.

Similarly, Madam Amina Benkhadra, the Director-General of Morocco’s National Office of Hydrocarbons and Mines (ONHYM), said there was an urgent need for major investments and innovative technologies to address Africa’s escalating energy demands.

‘To unlock Africa
‘s energy future, we must develop major infrastructure projects and mobilise international investments.

‘And the continent has strong potential in driving sustainable growth through gas and renewable energy.’

According to Benkhadra, Africa will require over 100 billion dollars annually in the power sector by 2030, with total investments reaching up to’ three trillion dollars by 2050 to satisfy its increasing electricity demand.

The ONHYM director-general said gas remained the backbone of the global energy transition.

She recalled the African Atlantic Project, a strategic gas pipeline initiative that Morocco and Nigeria inaugurated as a key effort towards enhancing energy security and economic integration across West Africa.

Benkhadra then restated the importance of cooperation on the continent to ensure sustainability in Africa’s energy landscape.

‘We must develop specific cooperation between African countries and other stakeholders worldwide.

‘There is a need for deeper regional cooperation and public
-private partnerships to drive investment on the continent.

‘Morocco is committed to strengthening energy partnerships across Africa. We are dedicated to increasing and reinforcing our specific cooperation with all the African Sub-Saharan countries, especially in West Africa,’ Benkhadra said.

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, represented by his Permanent Secretary, Nicholas Ella, said effective policy frameworks and capacity building were crucial in fostering a thriving African gas sector.

‘Our policies must be forward-looking, adaptable, and inclusive. They should address the unique challenges and opportunities of the African context.

‘Such policies are essential for promoting transparency, accountability, and the equitable distribution of benefits within the gas sector,” he said.

According to the minister, there is a need for a skilled and knowledgeable workforce in the sector.

‘Capacity building must be at the forefront of our agenda. This involves investing in edu
cation and training programmes, promoting technical and vocational education, and fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional development.

‘The role of entrepreneurship and innovation is also underscored, with a call for support for entrepreneurs developing sustainable business models within the gas sector.

‘By aligning our policies with global sustainability goals, we can position Africa as a leader in the global transition to a low-carbon economy,’ Ekpo said.

The minister lauded the Africa Gas Innovation Summit 2024 as a significant milestone in the journey towards a sustainable energy future.b

‘ By embracing gas technology and innovation, shaping effective policy frameworks, unlocking financing avenues, nurturing capacity building, and cultivating entrepreneurship, we can ignite the future and drive sustainability in Africa’s energy landscape.”

The Summit Chairman, Olalekan Ogunleye, said technology and innovation were key to exploring the resources that would enable Africa to transit
ion to gas.

He said: ‘let us key to this, not just for economic or global trends but for our community and development.

‘So our quest should be supported, and we (NNPC and Nigeria) will support every effort Africa makes to ensure we explore this resource.

‘Innovation and technology require huge funding, but we can source this by embarking on a short-mid-long term plan.

‘And I am optimistic that this summit will provide an opportunity to synergies on how we can explore these resources, and I hope we find direction to this at the end of the day.”

NAN reports that the two-day summit was attended by government officials, partners, and key stakeholders in the energy sector on the continent.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria