The International Maritime Institute of Nigeria (IMION) has played host to a high level delegation from the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) Eastern Atlantic Hydrographic Commission (EAtHC), as part of plans to establish a Regional Hydrographic Centre of Excellence in West Africa.
According to a press release signed by the institute’s Information Officer, Lieutenant Anthony Alak Amai on 25th August 2025, the delegation, was led by the Nigerian Navy Director of Hydrography, Rear Admiral GE Kwetishe, and was received by the Director General of IMION, Rear Admiral Thaddeus Udofia (Rtd), at the institute’s headquarters.
The IHO team included Captain Henri Dolou (Rtd) and Lieutenant Commander Gabin Sogorb, who also serves as the Capacity Building Coordinator of the EAtHC. The visit forms part of an ongoing suitability assessment aimed at identifying the most appropriate location for the proposed Centre of Excellence, which would cater specifically to English-speaking West African countries.
Rear Admiral Kwetishe, in his opening remarks, emphasised the strategic importance of the visit, noting that any plan to strengthen hydrographic capacity in the region would be incomplete without engaging IMION. He described the institute as a vital think tank for both local and international maritime stakeholders, with a key role to play in shaping Nigeria’s maritime future.
Lieutenant Commander Sogorb , highlighted the urgent need for specialised training in hydrography, oceanography, and cartography across West Africa. He noted that apart from Egypt, few African nations currently have the institutional capacity to deliver such specialised maritime education.
In response, Rear Admiral Udofia expressed IMION’s readiness to support the IHO’s initiative, describing the visit as a milestone in Nigeria’s commitment to sustainable ocean governance and the development of its Blue Economy. He reaffirmed the institute’s mission to support allied stakeholders across Nigeria, the Gulf of Guinea, and globally, through research and strategic maritime insight.
Udofia also commended the Nigerian Navy Hydrographic Department (NNHD) for its growing contributions to hydrographic development and expressed IMION’s interest in forging partnerships with international institutions, including French maritime organisations.
The visit concluded with a symbolic exchange of souvenirs and a guided tour of IMION’s facilities, which showcased the institute’s capabilities and commitment to maritime excellence.
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