The Federal Government has announced plans to embark on deep seabed exploration and mining activities as part of efforts to tap into the vast resources of the blue economy and stimulate economic growth. The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, made this known on Wednesday during a stakeholders’ sensitisation workshop on “Deep Seabed Activities” held in Abuja.
Represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Micheal Oloruntola, Oyetola highlighted the potential of seabed minerals, which are found on or beneath the ocean floor, to diversify the national economy by capitalising on the global surge in marine resource utilisation.
“As a major oil-producing nation with extensive coastlines and inland waterways, Nigeria must not be left behind in this new frontier. This shift from a fossil fuel-based to a mineral-based economy offers opportunities for the country to leverage its marine resources, particularly wave and tidal energy, to generate clean energy,” Oyetola said.
He noted that effective management of these resources would significantly contribute to meeting Nigeria’s energy needs and bolstering the national economy. The workshop aimed to raise awareness among key stakeholders about the importance of deep seabed exploration and exploitation, while addressing environmental and social concerns associated with these activities.
Dayo Mobereola, Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), called on all relevant stakeholders to work together to explore this emerging sector of the marine and blue economy.
“Nigeria has long benefited from its offshore oil and gas resources. As we look towards the future, deep-sea mining presents a unique opportunity for Nigeria to diversify its economy and secure long-term economic growth. It is an integral part of the blue economy, promising technological advancements, resource security, and job creation,” Mobereola stated.
He explained that the deep seabed, ranging from approximately 200 meters to 11,000 meters in depth, remains largely unexplored and is home to unique ecosystems and biodiversity. Ongoing research and development efforts are aimed at understanding its potential resources and applications.
Mobereola further noted that deep seabed mining, though still an emerging concept, could significantly boost the country’s economic activities through the extraction of mineral deposits such as copper, nickel, cobalt, and gold, which are crucial for modern technologies and green energy solutions.
“There has been considerable interest in deep seabed mining due to the significance of these metals. However, commercial operations have not yet commenced due to environmental concerns and the need for a robust regulatory framework. The deep seabed is believed to hold vast reserves of these minerals, potentially reducing global dependence on land-based mining,” he concluded.
The workshop served as a platform for stakeholders to discuss strategies for effectively harnessing Nigeria’s deep-sea resources in a sustainable manner, aligning with international best practices.
Credit: NAN (Text Excluding Headline)
