Nigeria Gains 16,300 Square Kilometres of Maritime Territory as UN Approves Extended Continental Shelf.
President Bola Tinubu has commended the efforts of the High Powered Presidential Committee (HPPC) on Nigeria’s Extended Continental Shelf Project following the United Nations’ approval granting Nigeria approximately 16,300 square kilometres of additional maritime territory. This expansion is five times the size of Lagos State and marks a significant achievement in Nigeria’s maritime history.
The President expressed his gratitude to the team of experts on Tuesday in Abuja after receiving their comprehensive report. The HPPC, composed of seasoned experts, has been working diligently since Nigeria’s initial submission to extend its continental shelf to the United Nations Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS) in 2009. The submission aimed to expand Nigeria’s maritime boundaries in line with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), 1982.
In the meeting, Professor Larry Awosika, a marine scientist and committee member, and Surveyor Aliyu Omar, Secretary of the HPPC, provided detailed technical presentations on the project’s progress and the UN’s approval. According to a statement from Presidential Media Adviser Ajuri Ngelale, the experts highlighted that the approval grants Nigeria sovereignty over a vast expanse of seabed and subsoil beyond its traditional territorial waters.
Omar stated, “When the HPPC briefed former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2022 on the status of the project, the United Nations Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS) was still considering Nigeria’s submission and having technical interactions with the HPPC. These interactions and considerations have now culminated in the approval for Nigeria to extend its continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles.”
The official notification of the decision was conveyed to Nigeria by the CLCS in August 2023, shortly after President Tinubu assumed office. Omar outlined the options available to Nigeria following the approval: either finalize the registration with the UN Secretary-General, which would take at least one year, or make a revised submission to acquire more data, taking an additional four years.
Professor Awosika explained that the approval was the result of meticulous scientific research and diplomatic efforts, which solidified Nigeria’s legal rights over a significant maritime expanse. He highlighted the economic potential of the newly acquired territory, which includes hydrocarbons, gas, solid minerals, and various sedentary species. However, he cautioned against disclosing sensitive survey data to preserve confidentiality and monetization opportunities.
In response, President Tinubu expressed his appreciation for the experts’ diligence and emphasized the significance of this achievement for Nigeria’s economic and strategic interests. “This is big congratulations for Nigeria,” he said, recalling discussions with former President Buhari and President Lula of Brazil about the importance of maritime boundaries.
“At COP28 in Dubai, I also exchanged views with President Lula of Brazil on the need for collaboration within our economic and maritime boundaries. Today, it is a great honour for me to receive this report. I have listened attentively to this very specialized report, and I know it took a whole lot of effort to get to this stage.
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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. We lost nothing but have gained great benefits for Nigeria. We will pursue the best option for the country.”
This extension of Nigeria’s maritime boundaries is expected to bolster the nation’s economic growth, enhance strategic positioning, and unlock significant resources for development.
