By Ada Nkong
Nigeria’s deep sea exploratory mining activities have commenced in both national and international waters with many developed countries and Pacific countries in support of these activities.
The Director General Nigerian Maritime and safety administration and safety agency (NIMASA) Dr Dayo Mabereola made this known during the stake holders sensitization workshop on deep-sea bed activities in Abuja. He also stressed the need to develop a regulatory framework for deep seabed mining.
The DG in his overview of the deep seabed prospects for blue economy however noted that exploitation is yet to commence in any region adding that deep seabed exploration presents an opportunity to expand our maritime resources beyond energy and align with the global shift towards sustainable development. Other benefits highlighted were reduced carbon prints, job creation, technological innovation, economic diversification and sustainable resources management.
In his opening address, the Minister of Marine and blue economy Adegboyega Oyetola lauded the initiative of President Tinubu’s administration for creating the ministry with a view to maximizing the economic potential of our marine resources.
He expressed optimism that the outcome of the workshop would enhance Nigeria’s ability to tap from the blue economy.
The event drew stakeholders from different sectors including the ministry of solid minerals as well as petroleum who expressed readiness to collaborate to grow the economy.
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