The regional Centre will come in handy in chart validation, data distribution and capacity development for electronic navigational charts, which are vital tools that reinforce modern seafaring, port efficiency and global maritime safety.
The Nigerian government is establishing West Africa’s first International Centre for Electronic Navigational Charts (ENC), in a strategic move set to position the country as a leader in maritime innovation and ocean governance in the region and beyond.
The Centre which will also offer training opportunities will be housed by Nigeria’s National Hydrographic Agency (NHA).
Speaking during the 2025 World Hydrography Day Conference in Abuja on Saturday, June 21 2025, Dr. Bello Muhammad Matawalle, Minister of State for Defence said the Centre is not only a facility, but a symbol of the country’s intent to lead in maritime data and regional security cooperation.
“With this establishment, Nigeria joins the ranks of global ENC leaders such as the United States, United Kingdom, Brazil and Australia,” he said.
“The Centre is projected to generate between US$9 million and US$12 million annually through international maritime services and value-chain operations, reinforcing Nigeria’s blue economy agenda,” added the Minister.
The regional Centre will come in handy in chart validation, data distribution and capacity development for electronic navigational charts, which are vital tools that reinforce modern seafaring, port efficiency and global maritime safety.
With approximately 853 kilometers of the coastline, Nigeria is among countries with massive Blue Economy resources in Africa.
The centre is expected to boost the country’s bid to ramp up its Blue Economy earnings. Though not clearly stated, the West Africa nation’s Blue Economy has a potential contribution of US$296 billion to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) annually.
Experts say the measures being taken by the government to boost the Blue Economy will eventually pay off.
According to Chukwudi Chukwuemeka Ekwenugo, a Nigerian Maritime Strategist and Policy Innovator, the measures include strategic investments, digital innovations, environmental stewardship, and capacity building.
He refers to the country’s 10-year National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy dubbed “Charting a Blue Future,” as a forward-looking vision that not only boosts economic development and job creation, but also positions Nigeria as a global leader in responsible marine resource management.
The national blue print covers 2025-2034.
“A hallmark of the policy is its commitment to protecting marine ecosystems while promoting sustainable industrial practices,” he said in a recent LinkedIn article.
“By targeting marine pollution, advancing blue carbon initiatives, and facilitating green shipping practices, Nigeria is taking decisive steps to mitigate the impacts of climate change. Moreover, the policy advocates for the responsible management of both living and non-living marine resources, ensuring that conservation efforts go hand in hand with economic development—a balance critical for long-term ecological resilience.”
South Africa, Mozambique, Egypt and Tunisia are the other African countries with established ENC offices.