Nigeria has secured a key leadership position in the global governance of the deep seabed after being unanimously endorsed by the African Group and elected Vice-President of the 2026 Assembly of the International Seabed Authority (ISA).

 

 

The position is being held by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Mrs Fatimah Sugra Tabi’a Mahmood, who led Nigeria’s delegation to the ISA sessions in Kingston, Jamaica.

 

 

The election took place during the 31st Session of the ISA Council and Assembly held in July 2026, further strengthening Nigeria’s role in decisions affecting the exploration, exploitation and sustainable management of mineral resources on the international seabed.

 

 

Addressing the Assembly, Mahmood said Nigeria would work constructively with the ISA and member states to advance the objectives of the Authority, stressing that science, equity and the precautionary principle must guide decisions concerning the international seabed Area.

 

 

She said the seabed and ocean floor beyond national jurisdiction, recognised under international law as the common heritage of humankind, must be managed responsibly and sustainably for the benefit of present and future generations.

 

 

The Permanent Secretary also called for inclusive, transparent and science-based decision-making within the ISA, particularly to ensure that developing countries and African states have their interests adequately reflected in the governance of the international seabed.

 

 

Nigeria’s election to the Assembly Bureau is significant as the ISA continues negotiations on rules governing the exploitation of deep-seabed mineral resources, amid growing international debate over the environmental implications and economic opportunities associated with seabed mining.

 

 

The July session followed the first part of the 31st Council session held in Kingston in March, where member states considered issues surrounding the governance of the international seabed Area, including outstanding provisions of the draft regulations for mineral exploitation, known as the Mining Code.

 

 

The Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy said Nigeria’s new position would provide the country with an important platform to contribute to the formulation of global policies on sustainable management of the deep seabed and its resources.

 

 

It added that the development was consistent with the Federal Government’s efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s influence in global maritime affairs while creating sustainable opportunities within the country’s marine and blue economy sector.

 

 

The ministry in statement on monday said Nigerian delegation included officials from the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Federal Ministry of Justice, Nigerian Mission in Jamaica, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Nigerian Hydrographic Agency and the Nigerian Navy.