In a bid to harness the untapped potential of its Blue Economy sector, Nigeria is set to host a global workshop focused on Deep Seabed activities.
The event, which is being organized by the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in collaboration with the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), will bring together international experts and industry professionals to explore sustainable ways of managing the country’s vast ocean resources.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy; Adegboyega Oyetola, announced that the workshop, scheduled to take place in Abuja from September 17-18, 2024, will play a critical role in building Nigeria’s expertise in deep-sea resource management.
Oyetola emphasized that the workshop will equip Nigerian policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders with the skills and knowledge necessary to engage in sustainable deep-sea exploration and development.
“This workshop will offer hands-on training for Nigerian researchers and stakeholders, allowing them to engage directly with international experts and advanced technologies. Nigeria has vast ocean resources that are still largely unexplored, and with the recent extension of Nigeria’s continental shelf, this workshop will provide a platform to tap into these resources sustainably, balancing economic growth with environmental protection,” Oyetola said.
The workshop will also serve as a platform for collaboration between professionals in Nigeria’s maritime sector and the Federal Government, with the goal of unlocking the full potential of the country’s oceans and seas. According to Oyetola, this initiative is expected to generate jobs and wealth while contributing to Nigeria’s broader economic development.
Key presentations at the event will include “An Overview of the Deep Seabed: Prospects for the Blue Economy” by Dr. Dayo Mobereola, Director General of NIMASA, and “An Overview of the Extended Nigerian Continental Shelf Claim” by Surveyor Adamu Adaji, Director General of the National Boundary Commission (NBC). These presentations will provide insight into the opportunities and challenges of deep-sea exploration, especially in light of Nigeria’s extended continental shelf.
The deep seabed, which lies beyond national jurisdiction, covers over 54 percent of the world’s oceans and is considered the common heritage of humanity. Its mineral resources, including rare metals essential for driving the renewable energy economy, represent a promising solution to global challenges such as the depletion of land-based mineral deposits and climate change. In fact, the deep seabed plays a significant role in absorbing a large portion of CO2 produced by human activities, helping to mitigate the effects of climate change on the world’s oceans.
With Nigeria’s strategic positioning in the global Blue Economy, the workshop is expected to boost the country’s capacity to exploit these resources responsibly while protecting the environment. The event is part of a larger effort by the Federal Government to align with international best practices and secure a sustainable future for Nigeria’s maritime industry.
The workshop’s hands-on approach, combined with the expertise of global leaders in deep-sea exploration, promises to position Nigeria as a key player in the Blue Economy and set the stage for future collaborations in deep-sea resource management.
