NIGERIA ELECTED VICE-PRESIDENT OF ISA ASSEMBLY AS PS REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO EQUITABLE SEABED GOVERNANCE
Nigeria has been elected one of the Vice-Presidents of the 2026 Assembly of the International Seabed Authority, (ISA), further strengthening the country’s voice in the global governance of the international seabed area.
The election took place during the 31st Session of the ISA Council and Assembly held in Kingston, Jamaica, from 13th–24th July and 27th–31st July 2026, respectively.
Nigeria was unanimously endorsed by the African Group to serve in the position. The Head of Nigeria’s delegation, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Mrs. Fatimah Sugra Tabi’a Mahmood, is occupying the position for the current session.
Addressing the Assembly, the Permanent Secretary reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to working constructively with the ISA 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. It provides an important platform for Nigeria to contribute to shaping global policies on the sustainable management of the deep seabed and its resources.
According to a statement by Anastasia Ogbonna, the Ministry’s Director of Information and Public Relations, the development 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 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 27th–31st July, 2026
