Introducing the new IC-ENC West Africa Regional Office

IC-ENC have established their fourth Regional Office in partnership with the National Hydrographic Agency (NHA) located in Abuja, Nigeria. The launch of the new IC-ENC West African Regional Office and Training Centre was announced during the 2025 World Hydrography Day celebration and West African Hydrographic Summit by the honourable Minister of State for Defence, His Excellency Dr Muhammed Bello Matawalle. The ceremony was witnessed by the Director IHO; Admiral Luigi Sinapi, Director GEBCO seabed 2030, and the chief host, the Hydrographer of the Federation and Chief Executive Officer National Hydrographic Agency Nigeria and IC-ENC Vice Chair, Rear Admiral Ayo Olugbode.

The IC-ENC West Africa RO team will be made up of Manager, Lt Cdr Uchechukwu Erege and three Validators, SLt Fatiu Lasisi, SLt Mercy Ogungbamila and AB Umaru Kabiru.

At SC26, Rear Admiral Ayo Olugbode stated “Our vision is to not only be the hub for coordinating validation of S-57 ENCs produced by Hydrographic Offices in the region, but also to support the training and development of skills and expertise in S-100 and related Marine Data Products, in a setting that supports easier access by interested African nations.”

Together, these initiatives mark a significant step in IC-ENC’s continued commitment to strengthening global hydrographic capacity and collaboration. The new Latin America Training Centre and West Africa Regional Office not only expand regional support but also provide enhanced opportunities for training, knowledge sharing, and the development of S-100 expertise.