The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, has reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment, in collaboration with the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), to promoting partnerships with industry stakeholders, driving innovation, and ensuring sustainability within Nigeria’s maritime sector.
Speaking during the Stakeholders Sensitization Workshop on Deep Seabed Activities in Nigeria, held in Abuja on Wednesday, Oyetola stressed the importance of government-private sector collaboration to unlock the full potential of the maritime industry. He noted that effectively harnessing the nation’s vast marine resources is critical to diversifying Nigeria’s economy.
Oyetola highlighted the ongoing global transition from a fossil fuel-based economy to a mineral-based one, which presents an opportunity for Nigeria to utilize its marine resources, including wave and tidal energy, to meet its clean energy needs. He added that the creation of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in 2023 demonstrates Nigeria’s commitment to capitalizing on emerging opportunities in deep-sea exploration.
Representing the Minister, Permanent Secretary Mr. Oloruntola Olufemi emphasized that the workshop aimed to raise awareness among key stakeholders about the importance of deep seabed exploration and the need for Nigeria to stay competitive in this growing sector.
NIMASA’s Director General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, also spoke at the event, reiterating the Agency’s collaboration with the International Seabed Authority (ISA) and other relevant agencies to ensure Nigeria’s compliance with international standards. Dr. Mobereola highlighted the need to amend the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act 2007 to incorporate the ISA’s guidelines on deep-sea exploration.
“We remain dedicated to ensuring that the necessary legislative frameworks for the sustainable use of the marine environment and adherence to safety standards are fully implemented,” Mobereola stated.
The workshop saw participation from several key organizations, including the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC), Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), National Border Commission (NBC), International Seabed Authority, and the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development.