The Sustainable Ocean Alliance (SOA) convened a two-day conference on 14th and 15th September 2024 in Lagos, with the theme “A Clarion Call to Defend the Deep.” Held at Nevada Hotels, Lekki, the event gathered climate scientists, activists, CSOs, and stakeholders from various parts of Nigeria to discuss the critical issues surrounding deep-sea mining and its implications for Nigeria’s environmental sustainability.
Dr Felicia Chinwe Mogo, one of the keynote speakers, stressed the importance of adhering to regional conventions for better protection of the marine environment. “The Abject Convention Secretaries of 2016 laid the groundwork for many of the protections we have today. It is imperative we build upon these frameworks to ensure that our engagements in deep-sea mining do not compromise our marine ecosystems,” she said.
Dr Mogo also highlighted Nigeria’s involvement in deep-sea mining as a unique opportunity for economic development. “Nigeria is at a crucial juncture where we can harness our deep-sea resources to fuel our economy while maintaining an ecological balance. This is an opportunity we must seize, but we cannot afford to ignore the environmental risks. Proper environmental impact assessments and adherence to international standards are key,” she added.
The conversation at the conference also brought attention to the widespread concerns of illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) activities in Nigerian waters. Dr Mogo called for stronger policies and enforcement mechanisms to curb such practices.
Another speaker, Dr Isa Elegbede, advocated for a 10-year moratorium on deep-sea mining in Nigeria, citing the need for more comprehensive resource mapping and environmental assessments. “We need to hit the brakes on deep-sea mining until we fully understand its impacts” Dr Elegbede argued. He urged the government to prioritise sustainability, advocating for capacity building and a stronger focus on research-driven policies.
Mr Lasisi Adedoyin from the the Lagos State Ministry of Environment, also voiced the need for sustainable practices in future mining activities. “We are sitting on a potential revenue source that could significantly benefit Nigeria. But we must proceed with caution. Without comprehensive studies and stakeholder engagement, the consequences could be devastating to our marine life,” he remarked.
A key highlight of the conference was the focus on the role of seabed mining in energy transition. According to Charles Nnaji, another participant and climate activist, “Deep-sea mining is pivotal to the energy transition because cobalt, an essential element in the manufacturing of lithium batteries, is typically mined from the ocean floor. However, this must be balanced with the fact that deep-sea mining also causes high levels of carbon sequestration and results in a significant loss of biodiversity. This is a delicate balance we need to manage.”
Charles went on to discuss the critical role of the Climate Change Act in ensuring that deep-sea mining in Nigeria aligns with sustainable practices. He argued that with proper regulation, deep-sea mining could become a key driver of Nigeria’s blue economy while ensuring minimal environmental impact.
The conference ended with a collective call to action from all speakers. Dr Elegbede emphasised the importance of inclusive decision-making processes, stating, “The protection of our deep seas cannot be left solely to the government. Civil society, scientific communities, and local stakeholders must be involved to ensure that our oceans are preserved for future generations.”
The event also concluded with several actionable steps, including calling on the Lagos State government to increase their surveillance and regulation of local sand mining, and the need for the Federal Government to conduct further research into the impacts of deep-sea mining.
As Nigeria continues to navigate the complexities of deep-sea mining, the message from the Lagos conference was clear: sustainable development must take precedence. Only through international cooperation, rigorous environmental assessments, and transparent regulation can Nigeria fully realise the potential of its marine resources without compromising the health of its oceans.
The Lagos SOA conference provided a forum for robust debate and reflection on Nigeria’s role in the evolving landscape of deep-sea mining and its intersection with environmental sustainability.