Section 2: The objectives of the Agency.

1 The objectives of the Agency are to -
a carry out hydrographic and oceanographic surveys, including ocean meteorology for national defence;
b fulfill all international hydrographic treaties, conventions and protocols acceded to by Nigeria;
c carry out commercial hydrography, seismic and other marine surveys for economic diversification and revenue generation for the Federal Government of Nigeria;
d provide maritime safety information, notices to mariners and nautical publications for the safety of seafarers in line with joint International Hydrographic Organisation (IHO), International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and World Maritime Organisation (W MO) manuals on maritime safety information;
e represent Nigeria in all international hydrographic matters;
f provide official nautical charts and publications, sailing directions, list of lights, notices to mariners, tide tables and other nautical publications, where applicable, satisfying the needs for safe navigation within Nigerian waters and the sub region in general;
g plan, acquire and maintain survey platforms, including surface, sub-surface and air survey platforms that form part of the National Hydrographic Survey Fleet;
h plan, acquire and maintain survey and charting equipment, instruments, software and infrastructure for the Agency;
i conduct training and re-training in hydrographic surveying, nautical cartography and related fields for Agency and Nigerian Navy personnel as well as other interested Nigerians and allied countries, using the medium of the Nigerian Navy Hydrographic School;
j monitor, control, superintend and coordinate all national hydrographic and oceanographic surveys;
k be the sole authority for nautical charting, tidal matters and other nautical publications in Nigeria;
l be the depository for all hydrographic, oceanographic and seismic data in Nigeria;
m collect hydrographic, oceanographic and other related data from all government and private stakeholders in Nigeria and use same for compilation of nautical charts and publications, including dissemination and updating of all nautical information necessary for safe navigation within the Maritime Zones and navigable internal waters of Nigeria;
n regulate all hydrographic surveys conducted within Nigerian waters to ensure that they are in accordance with international standards and consistent with the need to ensure or improve safe navigation within Nigerian waters;
o superintend all land survey and dredging matters within the Nigerian Navy and assist in the delimitation and demarcation of maritime boundaries of Nigeria in conjunction with National Boundary Commission;
p provide, custody and distribute navigational equipment and publications for the Nigerian Navy;
q plan and provide appointments, training and career of personnel (Naval and Civilian) into hydrographic specialisation;
r liaise with other local and international mapping, hydrographic and oceanographic organisation for the purpose of maintaining local and international standards and provide accurate and up-to- date hydrographic data including electronic navigational charts, tide or current information, as well as forecasting and shoreline surveys;
s support emergency response, ecosystem approaches to marine management, and coastal resiliency by providing hydrographic data and services, planning, acquisition and maintenance of hydrographic and oceanographic platforms (ships, aircrafts, boats) and equipment; and

t carry out any other duty as may be assigned by the Council;

2 For the purpose of carrying out its objectives under subsection (1), the Agency shall -
a establish such centres, facilities, departments and other research units within the Agency as may be necessary or desirable, subject to the approval of the Council;
b be responsible for the discipline and welfare of personnel of the Agency;
c refer matters relating to the discipline of military personnel in the Agency according to the Armed Forces Act;
d conduct and sponsor studies and researches in hydrography and related fields of learning;
e engage top quality staff of international standards aimed at creating a centre of excellence in mandated fields of study;
f subject to the provisions of the Land Use Act, acquire, hold, grant, charge or otherwise deal with or dispose of moveable and immovable property wherever situate;
g accept gifts, legacies and donations, provided that the terms and conditions attached to such gifts, legacies or donations are not inconsistent with the objectives and purpose of the Agency;
h erect, provide, equip and maintain libraries, laboratories, lecture halls, and other buildings as are necessary for the carrying out of the objects of the Agency;
i subject to any limitation or condition imposed by statute, invest any money belonging to the Agency by way of endowment, whether for general or special purpose or such other money as may not be immediately required for current expenditure in any investment or security in the purchase or improvement of land, with power to vary any such investment and to deposit any money not invested with any approved bank on deposit or current account;
j borrow, whether on interest or not and if need be upon the security of any of the property, moveable or immovable of the Agency, such money as the Council may require, or to guarantee any loan, advance or credit facility;
k do such other things as may be required for the effective and smooth running of the Agency; and
l do such acts or things that are incidental to the attainment of its powers under this section as are considered necessary to promote the objectives of the Agency.