U.N. Grants Nigeria 20-Nautical-Mile Expansion in Maritime Borders

Infostride News has reported that the United Nations (UN), through the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS), has made a significant decision to extend Nigeria’s seaward continental boundaries by 20 nautical miles, effectively expanding it from 200 to 220 nautical miles. The announcement was made through a post on Infostride News by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and was signed by its Assistant Director of Public Relations.

This extension of Nigeria’s maritime borders holds significant implications, as it grants the country the authority to redraw the territorial map of its sovereignty in the Gulf of Guinea. This newfound jurisdiction opens up opportunities for Nigeria to exploit the abundant carbon and marine resources believed to be present in the extended area.

The process leading to this extension involved Nigeria’s submission to the UN Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS) and subsequent approval by the Chairman of the Commission, Adnan Rashid Nasser Al-Azri. The decision marks a historic moment for Nigeria, as it is the first time the United Nations has ever approved additional maritime territory for the country.

Dr. Bashir Jamoh OFR, the Director-General of NIMASA, expressed his satisfaction with the decision, emphasizing the positive impact on Nigeria’s economic prospects. He stated, “To the best of my knowledge, this is the first time the United Nations has ever approved additional maritime territory for Nigeria. We welcome this development, as it would boost our economic fortunes considerably.”

The extension of the nation’s maritime borders is expected to bring about more economic benefits, aligning with the administration’s goals under President Tinubu, who has shown a keen interest in exploiting the potentials of the marine economy. This interest led to the creation of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, a new Federal Ministry dedicated to harnessing the country’s marine resources.

In October, the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Caroline Wura-ola Adepoju, highlighted the economic potential of the Marine and Blue Economy. She stated that, with effective utilization, the sector could generate around 5 trillion to the country. Additionally, the Director-General of NIMASA reiterated that the sector has the capacity to generate around 350 million jobs, showcasing the significant role it can play in the country’s economic development.

The United Nations defines the blue economy as the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth while preserving the health of ocean systems. With Nigeria’s expanded maritime boundaries, the country is now better positioned to leverage its marine resources in a sustainable manner, contributing to both economic growth and environmental preservation.

This decision by the UN underscores the global recognition of Nigeria’s potential in the maritime sector and the importance of sustainable practices in harnessing ocean resources. As Nigeria embarks on this new phase with expanded maritime boundaries, there is a heightened expectation of positive economic impact and job creation within the marine and blue economy. Infostride News will continue to follow this development and provide updates on the unfolding opportunities and challenges associated with Nigeria’s extended maritime jurisdiction.