The Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, in collaboration with the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), is set to host a global workshop on Deep Seabed activities from September 17-18, 2024, in Abuja .The workshop aims to harness Nigeria’s blue economy sector for sustainable growth and development. It will build in-country expertise, equip policymakers and industry professionals with knowledge and skills to manage deep-sea resources sustainably, and provide hands-on training for Nigerian researchers and stakeholders. The event will feature presentations, including “An Overview of the Deep Seabed: Prospects for the Blue Economy” and “An Overview of the Extended Nigerian Continental Shelf Claim.”
The workshop scheduled for September 17-18 in Abuja aims to equip policymakers and industry professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage deep-sea resources sustainably.The training will enable Nigerian researchers and stakeholders to engage directly with international experts and advanced technologies. The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, hopes to launch a sustainable plan to tap into these resources, balancing economic growth with environmental protection. This is especially important after Nigeria’s recent extension of its continental shelf. The Blue Economy is a recent field of study that encompasses economic activities that depend on the sea, often associated with other economic sectors, including tourism, maritime transport, energy, and fishing .
Honorable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, stated: “Nigeria possesses vast, largely unexplored ocean resources. Considering the recent extension of our continental shelf, this workshop aims to establish a sustainable framework for harnessing these resources, balancing economic growth with environmental stewardship.”
Minister Oyetola further emphasized that the seminar will facilitate collaboration between professionals, stakeholders in the maritime sector, and the Federal Government to leverage ocean resources, generate employment opportunities, and create wealth for the nation.
