The Federal Government is set to explore deep seabed mining to capitalise on the vast resources of the blue economy and stimulate economic growth
This was revealed by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola, at a stakeholders’ sensitisation workshop on “Deep Seabed Activities” held Wednesday in Abuja.
Represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr. Micheal Oloruntola, Oyetola described seabed minerals as resources located on or beneath the ocean floor. He reiterated the government’s commitment to economic diversification by harnessing marine resources in response to global interest in the blue economy.
“As a major oil-producing country with extensive coastline and inland waterways, we cannot afford to lag in this new frontier,” Oyetola said.
“This transition from a fossil fuel-based to a mineral-based economy presents opportunities for Nigeria to leverage its marine resources, particularly wave and tide energy, to generate clean energy.”
He further emphasised that properly utilising these resources could significantly contribute to the country’s energy needs and overall economic growth.
The workshop aimed to raise awareness among stakeholders about the importance of deep seabed exploration and exploitation while addressing environmental and social impacts. The focus is on safeguarding the marine environment from potential harm caused by seabed activities.
Dr. Dayo Mobereola, Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), also addressed attendees, calling for collaboration in advancing Nigeria’s marine and blue economy.
“Nigeria has long benefited from offshore oil and gas. Looking ahead, deep-sea mining offers a unique opportunity to diversify the economy and ensure long-term growth,” he said. He also highlighted the role of deep-sea resources in advancing technology, resource security, and job creation.
Nigeria’s Deep-Sea Potential and Mineral Resources
Mobereola explained that the deep seabed, spanning depths from 200 to 11,000 meters, remains largely unexplored but hosts unique ecosystems and biodiversity. Ongoing research and development aim to understand its ecosystem and resource potential.
He described deep seabed mining as a new frontier for economic growth, with the potential to extract valuable minerals such as copper, nickel, cobalt, and gold—essential for modern technology and green energy solutions.
