The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) on Wednesday revealed that the International Seabed Authority (ISA) has signed a 15 years contracts with 22 contractors for the exploration of critical mineral resources.
The Agency also revealed that the resources in the area covers 54 per cent of the total area of the world’s ocean.
The Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola who spoke at the Stakeholders’ Sensitization Workshop on Deep Seabed Activities, in Abuja, presented the “Overview of the Deep-Seabed: Prospects for the Blue Economy”, stating this deep-sea mining, involves the mining of Polymetallic Nodules (PMN), Polymetallic Sulphides (PMS) and Forromangganese Crusts (FMC) with 22 contractors.
The 2-day Workshop organized by the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in collaboration with the NIMASA and supported by the ISA and National Boundary Commission (NBC) is aimed at raising awareness amongst key stakeholders about the importance of deep sesbed exploration and exploitation and addressing environmental and social implications towards ensuring effective protection of the marine environment from harmful effects of deep-sea mining.
According to NIMASA DG, the ISA has concluded Regulations, rules and guidelines for the exploration stage but yet to conclude on regulations for the exploitation phase. “This is the principle reason why exploitation of mineral resources in the area is yet to commence.”
“All mining activities within the area are in the exploration stage and no exploitation has taken place. The ISA in controlling the resources within the area is mandated to ensure the effective protection of the marine environment from harmful effects of deep-sea mining.
“To this end, the ISA established Mining Code regulatory framework. These comprises rules, regulations and procedures issued by the ISA to regulate prospecting exploration and exploitation of marine minerals in the area,” he added.
Presenting the deep seabed benefits, Dr. Mobereola hinted that this offers significant opportunities for Nigeria’s economic growth, technological advancement and resource security.
He said by tapping into the vast reserves of Polymetallic nodules, sulphides and cobalt-rich crusts found in international waters, nations can secure essential minerals critical to the global economy, particularly, in the renewable energy and technology sector.
“However, these benefits must be balanced with robust environmental safeguards and regulatory Frameworks to ensure that deep seabed mining is conducted sustainably, minizing ecological impact whilst minizing the potential for shared global prosperity,” said the NIMASA DG.
Deep Sea Mining, he said can be done in Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) within the jurisdiction of national Governments/coastal states and/or in Areas beyond national jurisdiction – popularly referred to as the ”Area” or “international waters”.
In his opening address, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola who was represented by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary Secretary, Oloruntola Olufemi, affirmed that the transition from a fossil fuel-based to a mineral-based economy presents opportunities for Nigeria to leverage its marine resources, particularly in wave and tide energy, to generate clean energy that will contribute significantly to the nation’s energy needs.
According to him, the establishment of the Ministry in 2023, demonstrates Nigeria’s commitment to diversifying it economy and capitalizing on the global surge in deep-sea exploration, and therefore, the nation cannot afford to lag as it is one of the major oil-producing country with an extensive coastline and inland waterways.
Also speaking, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, ably represented by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Mary Ogbe, highlighted the complexity of deep-sea exploration and its environmental implications that demand a multifaceted approach that integrates the expertise and resources of all relevant stakeholders.
Dr. Alake, while assuring the support of Ministry of Solid Minerals, called for a deepened collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, NIMASA, NBC, Ministry of Environment and other agencies while working closely with international bodies such as the International Seabed Authority (ISA) to ensure a comprehensive policy framework.
