Rear Admiral Sunday Daniel Atakpa is a highly accomplished Hydrographer in the Nigerian Navy, holding key roles both at sea and ashore, including Commander of Nigerian Navy Ship SOROH and Director of Manning at Naval Headquarters, Abuja. He is an expert in hydrography and the blue economy, with qualifications from top institutions worldwide, including the International Hydrographic Organization and various law of the sea programs. His extensive academic background includes degrees in Physics, Hydrographic Survey, and Strategic Studies.
Atakpa has numerous certifications in maritime safety, sustainable development, and deep seabed mining, from institutions in Germany, China, and the Faroe Islands. He is also awaiting the start of doctoral research in Blue Economy Marine Spatial Planning at the World Maritime University in Sweden. Atakpa plays a key role in Nigeria’s blue economy initiatives, serving on both national and international committees, including the Presidential Expanded Committee on Sustainable Blue Economy.
A recipient of multiple awards, including Best Oralist at the 2016 ITLOS Moot Court Contest, Atakpa was recently nominated as one of “100 Iconic African Leaders” for his pioneering blue economy research. He is also a prolific writer, with several publications on blue economy topics.
