Osinbajo wants African countries to explore seabed minerals
Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo says African countries must evolve strategies for the sustainable development of the continent’s blue economy through exploration and exploitation of seabed minerals.
Osinbajo said this while declaring open the 4th Africa’s Deep Seabed Resources (ADSR) sub-Regional workshop in Abuja on Wednesday.
The vice-president, who was represented by the Minister of State for Transportation, Prince Ademola Adegoroye, said Nigeria was blessed with abundant deep seabed minerals ready for exploration.
He said while countries like Germany, India, China, United Kingdom and Jamaica had signed various contracts for the explorations of seabed minerals, no African country had made any move in this direction.
He, therefore, urged Nigeria to take the lead in Africa.
The 3-day workshop was organised by the International Seabed Authority, in collaboration with the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD).
Other partners are the African Union, Ministry of Transportation, Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and Nigerian Navy, among others.
“The UN Convention on Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) provides for all nations to explore and exploit mineral resources on the seabed beyond national jurisdiction for the common benefit of mankind.
“This is in accordance with regulatory framework provided by ISA.
“There is the need for Nigeria and indeed Africa’s industry stakeholders, relevant organisations and private entities to synergise toward strengthening the engagement of African States in the activities undertaken in the international seabed area,” Osinbajo said.
Credit: NAN
