Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The Federal Government has assured that the Nigeria will take the lead among African countries in harnessing the abundant resources of the blue economy for her benefit.
The Minister of Transportation, Mu’azu Jaji Sambo, said that it has become a challenge as out of the 12 exploration projects in developing countries around the world, none is in Africa.
Sambo speaking when the Secretary-General, International Seabed Authority, Mr Michael Lodge paid him a courtesy visit, acknowledged that the resources in the sea far outweigh those on land.
The Minister said the country was lucky to have an organization like ISA to help it explore and exploit its untapped blue economy, while advising that the outcome of the workshop should be escalated to the President and the National Assembly to accord it priority attention.
Earlier, the Secretary-General of ISA, Mr Michael Lodge, opined that the resources of the deep blue should be enjoyed by all and not just the rich and technologically advanced countries.
According to him, the workshop would create awareness in Africa and hopefully encourage African States and investors to look at the possibility and participate in deep-sea exploration as they only look towards the lands.
Earlier, Nigeria’s Ambassador to Jamaica and Permanent Representative on International Seabed Authority, Dr Maureen Tamuno, thanked the Minister for providing access to enable them visit the Maritime Academy, Oron, Akwa Ibom State to assess its readiness to provide required competences for future activities in the deep seabed sector.
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