Business
Nigeria Joins Nations with Globally Recognised Cartography Training Programme
Nigeria has boldly stepped into a new era of maritime relevance following the international certification of its first nautical cartography programme by the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO), a landmark recognition that signals the nation’s rising influence within the global hydrographic community.
The historic achievement, announced after the 49th meeting of the International Board on Standards of Competence for Hydrographic Surveyors and Nautical Cartographers (IBSC), marks a defining moment for Nigeria’s maritime education and technical capacity development, firmly positioning the country among a select league of nations with internationally accredited expertise in hydrography and nautical cartography.
Nigeria has taken a defining step onto the global maritime stage following the international certification of its first nautical cartography programme by the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO), a landmark achievement widely regarded as a breakthrough for the nation’s hydrographic and maritime education sector.
The milestone signals Nigeria’s emergence among a select group of nations with globally recognised training programmes in nautical cartography and hydrographic sciences.
At the heart of this historic accomplishment is the visionary leadership of Rear Admiral Olumide Fadahunsi, the Hydrographer of the Federation and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hydrographic Agency (NHA), whose strategic drive continues to reposition Nigeria within the rapidly evolving global blue economy.
For a nation long defined by its strategic maritime corridors and vast coastal assets, the certification represents far more than institutional recognition. It is a bold affirmation of Nigeria’s growing technical capacity, intellectual competence, and commitment to international best practices in hydrography, navigation safety, and marine science development.
Established in 2022 through legislation enacted by the National Assembly, the National Hydrographic Agency was conceived as Nigeria’s central authority for hydrographic and oceanographic operations. Since its establishment, the agency has steadily advanced efforts aimed at strengthening navigational safety, improving maritime cooperation, and deepening local expertise in charting and ocean data management.
Under Fadahunsi’s stewardship, the agency has pursued an ambitious vision anchored on professionalism, innovation, and global integration. The latest IHO certification now places Nigeria in an elite category of maritime nations capable of delivering internationally accredited hydrographic and nautical cartography training.
Industry observers note that the recognition arrives at a pivotal moment for Africa’s maritime future. As global trade routes, offshore energy operations, fisheries development, coastal infrastructure, and marine environmental protection become increasingly dependent on accurate hydrographic data, nations with advanced charting and survey capabilities are gaining strategic importance.
Hydrography, often described as the silent backbone of maritime commerce, plays a critical role in ensuring safe navigation, supporting offshore exploration, protecting marine ecosystems, and strengthening national security architecture. The availability of internationally certified training programmes therefore represents a major leap toward building indigenous expertise capable of serving both national and regional demands.
The certification under the IHO S-5 and S-8 standards is also expected to unlock broader opportunities for professional exchange, regional training partnerships, and international scientific collaboration across Africa’s maritime sector.
Beyond the technical significance, the achievement carries symbolic weight. It reflects Nigeria’s determination to move from being merely a coastal nation to becoming a respected maritime knowledge hub with influence extending across the Gulf of Guinea and the wider African continent.
For many stakeholders within the global maritime community, the development underscores a larger narrative — one of institutional reform, strategic foresight, and the emergence of a new generation of Nigerian maritime leadership committed to excellence on the world stage.
As congratulations continue to pour in from industry experts and maritime institutions, the consensus remains unmistakable: Nigeria’s hydrographic future has entered a new era, and Rear Admiral Olumide Fadahunsi has firmly charted the course.
Nigeria’s petrol market is witnessing a fresh wave of price reductions following the sharp decline in global crude oil prices and a major price cut by Dangote Refinery, raising hopes of cheaper fuel across the country.
The downturn in international oil prices has triggered adjustments at several fuel depots, with operators releasing new ex-depot prices amid growing optimism that petrol prices could ease further in the coming weeks.
Global crude prices extended their losses on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, after signs of a breakthrough in talks between the United States and Iran boosted expectations that the strategic Strait of Hormuz could soon return to normal operations.
The easing of tensions has reduced fears of supply disruptions that previously pushed oil prices higher.
As of Tuesday morning, Brent crude traded at $82.68 per barrel, down 0.59 per cent, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude slipped 0.42 per cent to $80.41 per barrel.
Market confidence also received a boost after the LNG tanker Disha successfully sailed through the Strait of Hormuz on Monday on its way to India, signalling the gradual restoration of energy shipments from the Gulf region.
Although shipping firms remain cautious, analysts believe oil prices may remain under pressure if the US-Iran agreement is formally signed and maritime activities fully resume.
Against this backdrop, Nigerian depots have begun adjusting their petrol prices downward.
Industry data obtained from PetroleumPriceNG shows that several depot owners lowered their ex-gantry prices as competition intensifies.
Dangote Refinery had earlier announced a significant N75 per litre reduction in its petrol price.
However, the refinery later adjusted its rate slightly upward by N5, selling Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) at N1,185 per litre, compared to N1,175 previously.
Other depots have also announced fresh rates. Prudent Oghara is now selling petrol at N1,270 per litre, while AITEO offers PMS at N1,180 per litre. Mainland depot fixed its ex-depot price at N1,250 per litre.
The latest crash in crude oil prices could open the door for additional reductions in petrol and diesel prices across Nigeria. Industry experts say marketers may be compelled to lower prices further as cheaper crude filters into the supply chain and competition with Dangote Refinery intensifies
For millions of Nigerians struggling with high transportation and living costs, the current trend offers renewed hope that fuel prices may finally begin to ease in the months ahead.
NCR Nigeria Plc has announced the appointment of Mrs Oluwatoyin Saraki, the wife of former Senate President, Bukola Saraki as a Non-Executive Director, according to a statement signed by the Company Secretary, Bernice Anya.
Saraki’s appointment, subject to ratification by shareholders at the company’s next Annual General Meeting (AGM).
The development, the company noted, will strengthen the company’s board as it builds on its recent financial recovery and growth momentum.
NCR Nigeria stated that the appointment followed a written resolution passed by its Board of Directors.
“The Board of Directors of NCR (Nigeria) Plc, by way of a written resolution, appointed Her Excellency, Mrs Oluwatoyin Saraki, as a Non-Executive Director on the Board of the Company, subject to ratification by the shareholders at the next Annual General Meeting of the Company”, the statement noted.
The company said Saraki brings extensive experience in law, governance, policy advocacy, and strategic leadership gained across the private, public, and multilateral sectors. The Board and Management also expressed confidence in her ability to contribute meaningfully to the company’s long-term growth and governance objectives.
Saraki is widely recognised for her work in global health and development. She serves as the Inaugural and Emeritus Global Goodwill Ambassador for the International Confederation of Midwives.
She is a Special Adviser to the World Health Organisation (WHO) Regional Office for Africa.
Saraki also holds several advocacy roles, including UNFPA Nigeria Family Planning Champion and Global Champion for the White Ribbon Alliance for Safe Motherhood.
Global crude oil prices have plunged to their lowest level in three months, reversing much of the gains recorded during the recent Middle East supply crisis and raising hopes of lower fuel costs in many oil-importing countries.
The price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly known as petrol, could fall to around N900 per litre as Brent crude, the international benchmark for oil prices, fell below the $80 per barrel mark on Tuesday, settling around $78.96 per barrel, its lowest level since early March. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) also dropped sharply to about $76.05 per barrel.
The decline follows growing optimism that oil flows through the strategic Strait of Hormuz will gradually return to normal following diplomatic progress involving Iran and the United States.
The latest price slump represents a significant decline from levels seen in recent months. Brent crude averaged about $117.29 per barrel in April and $107.14 per barrel in May before easing to around $99 in early June. At the height of the Middle East tensions, Brent briefly surged above $119 per barrel amid fears of supply disruptions.
Market watchers recalled that the prolonged crisis in the Middle East forced crude prices above the $100 per barrel mark, with some periods seeing prices rise beyond $120. The increase had a direct impact on fuel costs across several countries, including Nigeria.
During the period, petrol prices in Nigeria surged from about N830 per litre to around N1,300 per litre. Diesel and aviation fuel also recorded major increases, putting pressure on businesses and transport operators.
Market analysts attribute the sharp fall to expectations that Iranian oil exports could resume more freely and that shipping activities through the Strait of Hormuz may normalize in the coming weeks. The prospect of increased global supply has prompted major financial institutions to cut their oil price forecasts.
Beyond geopolitical developments, weaker demand from China, persistent inflation concerns, and slowing global economic growth have also weighed on crude prices. Traders are increasingly betting that global oil supplies will improve while demand growth remains subdued.
For Nigeria, the decline in crude oil prices presents a mixed picture. While lower global oil prices could help reduce the cost of imported refined petroleum products and potentially ease pressure on fuel prices, it may also reduce government revenues, given the country’s heavy dependence on crude oil exports.
Despite the recent crash, analysts warn that volatility remains high and that any fresh disruption in the Middle East could quickly send prices higher again. For now, however, the market appears focused on improving supply prospects, pushing crude prices to their lowest levels since March
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