By Seun Ibiyemi
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, has announced the government’s dedication to deep seabed exploration and sustainable practices in the maritime sector. This is even as he added that the Ministry, in collaboration with the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), is fully committed to promoting partnerships with industry players, driving innovation, and championing sustainability.
Oyetola made this statement during his opening address at the Stakeholders Sensitization Workshop on Deep Seabed Activities in Nigeria, held on Wednesday in Abuja.
According to him, “Government-private sector partnerships are vital to unlocking the maritime sector’s full potential,” emphasising that effectively harnessing the vast potential of the nation’s marine resources is a crucial step in diversifying Nigeria’s economy.
He stated 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 capitalising 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.
On his part, 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.
Speaking 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 overemphasised.
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.
In attendance at the Workshop were 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.