The Hydrographer of the Federation and CEO of the National Hydrographic Agency of Nigeria, Rear Admiral Ayo Olugbode and his team have concluded extensive redrawing of Nigeria’s maritime boundary.

The project was commissioned by the Cross River State government to enable the take off of the Bakassi deep seaport project.

The Hydrographer formally presented the Hydrographic, Geotechnical, geophysical report and New Navigational Chart for the proposed Bakassi Deep Seaport project to the governor.

Rear Admiral Olugbode described the report as the culmination of an intensive multi-year effort, beginning with a formal flag-off on December 21, 2024, and followed by rigorous data acquisition starting January 6, 2025.

The survey, he said, covered hydrographic, geophysical, and geotechnical dimensions, all aimed at ensuring safety, precision, and international compliance.

“This is more than just a technical report. It is the bedrock for constructing and operating the Bakassi Deep Seaport.

“It provides essential data for engineering design, dredging, breakwater construction, and navigation safety.”

He added that the data would boost investor confidence, enable effective ocean governance, and contribute to global initiatives such as Seabed 2030, a project that aims to map the entire seafloor of the world by 2030.

Olugbode commended the state government for its unwavering support towards the hydrographic project.

Receiving the charts at a formal ceremony held in the State Executive Council Chamber, Governor Bassey Otu
described the event as a “historic milestone”.

He said it will not only affirm Nigeria’s maritime boundaries but also sets the stage for an economic revolution across the Gulf of Guinea.

“This is truly a historic day, not just for Cross River State but for the entire country,” Governor Otu said. “What we have achieved today replaces charts dating back to 1903 and settles long-standing debates about Cross River’s status as a littoral state. This chart clearly affirms our coastal status.”

Otu emphasized that the updated maritime chart now aligns with S-100 international standards, positioning the state for deepwater commerce and international shipping operations.

“When we connect this with the ongoing coastal highway, we’re looking at a completely different city,” he said. “The economic potential is enormous.”

“We picked up this dream where the former governor, Professor Ben Ayade left off.

“Public funds had been committed, and we could not allow it to die. Today is another giant step toward its full realization,” he said.

Otu disclosed that the project now awaits a final seal of approval from the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

Gunmen operating in two sports utility vehicles on Monday evening killed 19 people in Ogboji community, Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The men were said to have arrived a meeting venue where some people said to be indigenes of Ebonyi State were meeting and opened fire on them.

It is, however, not clear the motive of the attack but some people said it may be a renewed enforcement of the already prescribed sit at home protest as it happened on Monday, others said it may be related to a disagreement within the group as the gunmen had requested for minutes of the meeting.

A gory video of the incident circulating on the social media showed a scene where several corpses were lying on the ground, with people wailing.

Meanwhile, police authorities in Anambra State have confirmed the incident, insisting that only 10 persons were killed, while nine others were injured.

A press release by the Anambra State Police Command, signed by its public relations officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga said the command condemned the shooting incident.

He said it resulted in fatal injuries and fatalities to 10 persons and assured that the command will hunt down the perpetrators and bring them to justice.

He said: “The armed criminals came in two Sport Utility Vehicles (SUV) and attacked the gathering of a group unprovoked, shooting sporadically.

“The victims were rushed to the Hospital and regrettably, 10 (ten) people were confirmed dead. The bodies have been deposited in the morgue.”

He said the Police, led by a security team, has taken over the scene and are working on necessary information to arrest the perpetrators.

Cross River State government has emphasised the need for the water sector to be regulated.

Authorities said a statewide crackdown on illegal borehole drilling activities is imminent.

Commissioner for Water Resources, Barrister Mensah gave the indication while addressing officers and members of the borehole drillers association who called on him in his office.

Mensah disclosed that the governor has now assented to the State Water Regulatory Law of 2025, and that all stakeholders must comply with it.

He warned that the government will not tolerate further negligence in the sector.

“The “honeymoon is over” for those that operate without proper legal oversight. Nobody will be allowed to evade the regulations.

He expressed disappointment at the actions of numerous operators who exploited residents due to the state of water supply in parts of the state.

He said, “Initially the Governor was unaware of the depths of the crisis in the sector, but he has now gained insight into the challenges faced within the sector.

“The governor is dedicated to restoring the water supply system, starting with the legal framework necessary for implementing change. Today, he has waded into the matter.”

He explained that the Water Regulatory Law is a pivotal step to ensuring widespread access to clean and safe water for all residents, regardless of their location.

He raised the hopes that the new law will create a sustainable water supply system that can alleviate the struggles faced by citizens.

Chairman and Secretary of the borehole drillers Association, Prince Edem Nsa and Elder John Enyin respectively expressed happiness at the regulatory framework in the State.

Nsa noted that it will help in controlling quackery that had challenged the sector for some time.