The United Nations has approved Nigeria’s request to expand its continental shelf by 16,300 square kilometres—five times the area of Lagos State
The High Powered Presidential Committee’s (HPPC) report on Nigeria’s extended continental shelf project was delivered to President Bola Tinubu yesterday. The report commended the team of specialists who put great effort over the years to complete the project.
By extending Nigeria’s marine borders, the project seeks to comply with the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
After hearing technical presentations from Surveyor Aliyu Omar, the Secretary of HPPC, and Professor Larry Awosika, a marine scientist and committee member, the President expressed his gratitude in Abuja.
Nigeria’s application to the United Nations Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS) was first made in 2009 to extend its continental shelf, since this period a committee of experts have been active on the project.
The committee informed the President that Nigeria’s petition had been accepted by the UN, which meant that Nigeria’s jurisdiction now extended over more square kilometres of marine territory.
Professor Awosika emphasised the careful scientific study that served as the foundation for Nigeria’s accepted application. “Deep studies in geography, geology, and geophysics over several years, along with calculated diplomatic moves, led to the approval,” he stated. He also mentioned how crucial it is to keep the sensitive information collected during the surveys private in order to safeguard Nigeria’s economic interests.
President Tinubu conveyed his appreciation to the group for their diligent efforts and commitment.
The President was quoted as saying in a statement released by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Advisor to the President on Media and Publicity: “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 when the HPPC briefed former President Muhammadu Buhari on the status of the project in 2022.”
Following these discussions and considerations, Nigeria has been given permission to extend its continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles.
Surveyor Omar informed the president that the area currently designated for Nigeria is roughly 16,300 square kilometres, or almost five times the size of Lagos State.”’
Nonetheless, Professor Awosika cautioned against revealing confidential information obtained through research in order to protect national strategic interests.