The United Nations (UN) has awarded Nigeria authority over extra square miles of marine territory.
Nigeria submitted the proposal for the expanded continental shelf project to the High Powered Presidential Committee (HPPC) in 2009.
Larry Awosika, a marine scientist and committee member, informed President Bola Tinubu that the permission followed years of rigorous research into geophysics, geology, and geography.
He also stated that diplomacy helped to cement Nigeria’s legal claims to a huge swath of seabed and subsoil beyond its traditional territorial seas.
Awosika spoke on Tuesday in Abuja while delivering the approval report alongside other HPPC members, according to a statement published by presidential spokesperson Ajuri Ngelale.
The professor stated that the newly acquired region has enormous economic potential, including greater investments in hydrocarbons, gas, solid minerals, and a diverse range of sedentary species.
Aliyu Omar, committee secretary, stated that the newly permitted area is “about 16,300 square kilometres, which is about five times the size of Lagos State.”
Omar stated that the UN Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS) notified Nigeria of the judgement in August 2023, shortly after Tinubu took office.
The surveyor said:
” The first option is to take the area gained and finalise the registration with the UN Secretary-General and close everything, meaning that we are satisfied with what we got. This will take at least one year.”
” The second option is to take what we have right now, acquire more data, do a support write-up, and make a revised submission as recommended by CLCS for further consideration. This will take another four years.
” Either way, Nigeria will keep what has been approved.’’
Tinubu lauded the achievements, saying it reflects Nigeria’s economic and strategic interests.
He said:
‘‘This is big congratulations for Nigeria.’’
” I commend the team, and we must take advantage of this and invite you again to have a repeat of this knowledge exploration on geography, hydrography, and marine life.
” Nigeria is grateful for the efforts that you put into gaining additional territory for the country without going to war. Some nations went to war, lost people and economic opportunities.”
Tinubu stated that his administration will continue to explore the finest solutions for the country.
The meeting was also attended by Femi Gbajabiamila, the president’s chief of staff; Adegboyega Oyetola, the minister of marine and blue economy; and Hassan Tukur, chairman of the HPPC.