Nigeria Reaffirms Commitment to Ocean Governance, Drives Blue Economy Policy at ABLOS Conference in Qatar

 Nigeria has reinforced its commitment to sustainable ocean governance and blue economy development at the 12th Advisory Board on the Law of the Sea (ABLOS) Conference, held from October 7 to 8, 2025, in Doha, Qatar.

The country was represented on a high-level panel by the Hydrographer of the Federation and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hydrographic Agency, Rear Admiral Ayo Olugbode.

Bridging Policy and Practice Gap

Rear Admiral Olugbode participated in a panel themed: “Is United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS III) Fit for Purpose in Modern Times? Achievements, Challenges and Future Pathways.”

The Hydrographer used the platform to showcase Nigeria’s integrated approach to ocean governance, emphasizing how strategic coordination and hydrographic capacity are driving the country’s National Blue Economy Policy (2025–2034).

“It was a great privilege indeed for me to have attended this important conference, in the course of which I used my panel session to explore how hydrography underpins maritime safety, environmental stewardship and support economic resilience in coastal and national maritime prosperity,” Rear Admiral Olugbode affirmed.

The two-day conference, jointly organized by the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) and the International Association of Geodesy (IAG), brought together global experts and policymakers to examine the evolving landscape of ocean governance.

Focus on Sustainable Blue Growth

The ABLOS conference reinforced the importance of coordinated policy frameworks, marine spatial planning, technological innovation, and international collaboration in unlocking the full potential of the blue economy.

Reaffirming Nigeria’s position on ocean sustainability, Rear Admiral Olugbode stated that the National Hydrographic Agency remains focused on bridging the gap between policy and practice.

He assured that the agency is dedicated to “advancing hydrography as a foundation for sustainable blue growth and resilient maritime development as well as leaving no one behind.”

The outcomes of the conference are expected to further align Nigeria’s maritime policies with international best practices, strengthening the country’s role in global discussions on the future of ocean governance.