…………PS FMMBE Reaffirms Nigeria’s Commitment to Sustainable and Equitable Management of Deep Seabed.
Nigeria has been elected one of the Vice-Presidents of the 2026 Assembly of International Seabed Authority (ISA), further strengthening the country’s voice and participation in the global governance of the international seabed area.
The election took place during the 31st Session (Part II) of the ISA Council and the Assembly, held in Kingston, Jamaica, from 13–24 July and 27–31 July 2026, respectively.
Nigeria was unanimously endorsed by the African Group to serve as one of the Vice-Presidents of the 2026 ISA Assembly. The position is being occupied by the Head of Nigeria’s delegation, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Mrs. Fatimah Sugra Tabi’a Mahmood, for the current session.
Addressing the Assembly, the Permanent Secretary reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to working constructively with the International Seabed Authority and other Member States to advance the objectives of the Authority.
Mrs. Mahmood stressed that science, equity and precaution must remain the bedrock of decisions concerning the administration and management of the Area—the seabed and ocean floor beyond national jurisdiction.
She emphasised that the Area, recognised under international law as the common heritage of humankind, must be responsibly and sustainably managed for the benefit of all humanity, while ensuring that its ecological integrity is protected for present and future generations.
The Permanent Secretary also underscored the importance of inclusive, transparent and science-based decision-making within the Authority, particularly in ensuring that the interests and perspectives of developing countries and African States are adequately reflected in the governance of the international seabed Area.
Nigeria’s election to the Assembly’s Bureau as a Vice-President is a significant recognition of the country’s active participation in international maritime governance and provides an important platform for Nigeria to contribute to shaping global policies on tsustainable management of the deep seabed and its resources.
The development also aligns with the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s role in global maritime affairs and advancing sustainable opportunities within the marine and blue economy.
The Nigerian delegation comprised officials of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Federal Ministry of Justice, Nigerian Mission in Jamaica, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Nigerian Hydrographic Agency, and the Nigerian Navy.
Recall that Part II of the 31st Session followed the first part of the Council session held in Kingston, Jamaica, in March 2026, during which Member States considered a range of issues relating to the governance of the international seabed Area, including deliberations on the draft regulations for the exploitation of mineral resources, commonly referred to as the Mining Code. The July session continued consideration of outstanding matters before the Assembly convened from 27–31 July 2026.
Signed:
Anastasia Ogbonna
Director, Information & PR
