The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has said that as part of efforts to harness the Blue Economy sector for sustainable growth and development in Nigeria, the Federal Ministry of Maritime and Blue Economy is set to hold a global workshop on deep seabed activities. The initiative is being carried out in collaboration with NIMASA. Honourable Minister of Maritime and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, said that the hosting of the international workshop by Nigeria would help build expertise in the country by equipping policy makers and industry professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to sustainably manage deep seabed resources.
“This workshop will provide practical training for Nigerian researchers and stakeholders, giving them the opportunity to engage directly with international experts and advanced technologies. Nigeria has vast marine resources that are still largely unknown, and we have taken note of the recent expansion of Nigeria’s continental shelf. I hope this workshop will provide a platform to launch the machinery to exploit these resources sustainably, thereby balancing economic development and environmental conservation,” he said.
Oyetola said the seminar would provide an opportunity for professionals and stakeholders in Nigeria’s maritime sector to collaborate with the Federal Government in harnessing the resources of the seas and oceans, while also creating jobs and wealth for the country.
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The event, scheduled to take place in Abuja on September 17-18, 2024, will feature a number of presentations. These include several scholarly presentations such as “An Overview of the Deep Sea Bed: Prospects for the Blue Economy” by Dr. Dayo Mbereola, 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).
The deep sea floor lies outside national jurisdiction, and the mineral resources located there are considered the common heritage of humanity. It covers more than 54 percent of the world's oceans and presents a future source of mineral resources to support a growing global population. Additionally, it addresses challenges related to accessing land-based deposits and provides rare metals needed to drive a future renewable economy.
In addition, the deep sea floor plays a vital role in mitigating climate change, which has a devastating effect on the sustainability of the oceans and their resources. The sea floor is believed to contain a significant portion of the CO2 produced by human activities, helping to absorb excess heat generated by the greenhouse effect.
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