George George Idowu
Environmentalists and stakeholders have raised alarm over the potential negative impacts of Deep Seabed Mining (DSBM) in Nigeria and called for immediate action to halt unsustainable exploitation of the seabed.
The warning was issued during a two-day training hosted by the Sustainable Ocean Alliance (SOA), a Non-Governmental Organization, focused on marine conservation and sustainability.
Dr. Felicia Mogo, a former director at the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), emphasized the critical need for stronger environmental regulations to prevent irreversible damage to the seabed.
Mogo, who is also the Founder of the African Marine Environment Sustainability Initiative (AFMESI), pointed out the gaps in Nigeria’s current regulatory framework and called for the development of enforceable standards to protect marine ecosystems.
Speaking on the importance of a comprehensive understanding of the marine environment, Mogo said, “To achieve our goal, we need a strong grasp of its theoretical, geographical, biophysical, and historical current state, its governance and regulatory climate policies, and the opportunities and challenges in its attainment. This information will help us identify actionable ways to move forward.”
She stressed that marine ecosystems, including coral reefs, mangroves, and deep-sea habitats, are crucial for biodiversity, climate regulation, and economic activities such as fisheries, tourism, and mineral exploration.
Dr. Isa Elegbede, an environmentalist and lecturer at Lagos State University, echoed these concerns, warning that DSBM could cause severe harm to marine biodiversity if carried out unsustainably.
He attributed the rising interest in seabed mining to the increasing demand for minerals and metals, technological advancements, and the depletion of terrestrial resources.
Adenike Adeiga, Chair of SOA Nigeria and convener of the conference, highlighted the fragility of the ocean ecosystem and the need for precautionary measures to avoid further degradation Adeiga stated, “The importance of the marine environment can not be overemphasized. It supports livelihoods, provides food security, and plays a crucial role in regulating the climate.”
Adeiga also revealed a groundbreaking discovery that polymetallic nodules found on the seabed can produce oxygen, adding another layer of significance to the need for careful management of deep-sea resources.
“Our goal is that this conference will foster collaboration and encourage our government to join the call for a precautionary pause on DSBM,” she added.
The stakeholders concluded with a call for Nigeria to develop national policies that align with international standards, build capacity in marine geology, and invest in infrastructure to ensure sustainable management of the country’s marine resources.