Nigeria to exploit seabed mining potential

Nigeria is poised to earn more revenue from seabed mining, as the Federal Government plans to enunciate policies to boost the harnessing of resources in the nation’s waters.

The Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dakuku Peterside, said: “the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Transportation is developing a blue economy policy and strategy, which will incorporate the sustainable development of the country’s deep seabed resources.”

Peterside, in a statement made available to The Guardian, said irrespective of the numerous resources in Nigeria, there was the need to work more closely with the International Seabed Authority (ISBA) in the area of seabed resources exploration.

Peterside commended ISBA on its role in the optimal utilisation of seabed resources among maritime stakeholders, and solicited for assistance in the area of capacity building to survey deep sea and establish database of mineral resources available for the benefit of all mankind.

He noted that currently, the Nigerian Navy Hydro-graphic office has been undertaking hydrographical survey, and charting of the maritime area. Similarly, NIMASA is working with the Navy to effectively enforce the United Nations Convention on the law of the sea, and other relevant international maritime instruments to which Nigeria is a party around the continental shelf.

He also noted that while seeking exploitation of mineral resources within the Seabed off the national sea jurisdiction, marine environment preservation and protection would continue to be given top priority.

Peterside also congratulated Britain’s Michael Lodge on his appointment as Secretary General of ISBA Council, and Eugenio Joao Muianga of Mozambique on his election as President of the Authority’s 23rd session.

He said Africa is proud of Muianga’s feat and pledged Nigeria’s readiness to cooperate with, and support the Authority while looking forward to benefiting from available opportunities.

The ISBA is an autonomous international organisation established under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and the 1994 Agreement relating to the Implementation of Part XI of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

The Authority, which has its headquarters in Kingston, Jamaica, came into existence on November 16, 1994, upon the entry into force of the 1982 Convention, and as at July 25, 2016, it has 168 member countries of which Nigeria is one.