R-L: Managing Director, National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Mr. Bola Oyebamiji; former Permanent Representative of Nigeria to the International Seabed Authority, Dr. Maureen P. Tamuno; DG NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola; Director, Maritime Boundary Commission, Mr. Nurudeen Abba; Special Adviser to the Minister of Niger-Delta Hon. Chief ‘Wole Iroaye; Rear Admiral C.E Okafor (Rtd); and Professor Babajide Alo, Department of Chemistry University of Lagos. At the Stakeholders’ Sensitization Workshop on Deep Seabed Activities in Nigeria, held in Abuja.

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, has stated that the Ministry, in collaboration with the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), is fully committed to promoting partnerships with industry players to drive innovation and ensure its sustainability.

The Minister made this statement during his opening address at the Stakeholders Sensitization Workshop on Deep Seabed Activities in Nigeria, held in Abuja.

According to him, “Government-private sector partnerships are vital to unlocking the maritime sector’s full potential,” emphasizing that effectively harnessing the vast potential of the nation’s marine resources is a crucial step in diversifying Nigeria’s economy.

Oyetola emphasized that the transition from a fossil fuel-based economy to a mineral-based one presents opportunities for Nigeria to leverage its marine resources, particularly wave and tidal energy, to generate clean energy. He noted that this shift could significantly contribute to the nation’s energy needs.

“Nigeria’s establishment of a full-fledged Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in 2023 demonstrates our commitment to diversifying our economy and capitalizing on the global surge in deep-sea exploration. As a major oil-producing country with an extensive coastline and inland waterways, we cannot afford to lag in this new frontier,” said Oyetola.

The Minister, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Oloruntola Olufemi, explained that the workshop aimed to raise awareness among key stakeholders in the sector about the significance of deep seabed exploration and exploitation.

Also speaking at the conference, NIMASA’s Director General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, said the Agency in collaboration with the International Seabed Authority (ISA) and relevant MDAs, will ensure Nigeria’s compliance with global standards.

On the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act 2007, Dr. Mobereola noted that the need to amend the Act to reflect relevant provisions of the ISA’s model of legislation on exploration and exploitation could not be overemphasized.

He acknowledged the commitment of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and NIMASA to ensuring the full implementation of relevant legislative frameworks for the sustainable use of the marine environment and safety standards.

“We remain committed to ensuring that relevant legislative frameworks on the sustainable use of the Marine Environment and Safety standards are fully implemented,” he said.

Representatives of the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC), Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), National Border Commission (NBC), International Seabed Authority, Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, among others attended the event.