
United Nations Commission on the Limited of the Continental Shelf (CLCS) has extended Nigeria’s continental shelf from 200 Nautical Miles to 220 Nautical Miles.
The Chairman, United Nations Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS), Adnan Rashid Nasser Al-Azri, disclosed the development in a statement regarding Nigeria’s submission.
With the new extended continental shelf approved, Nigeria can edraw the territorial map of its sovereignty in the Gulf of Guinea, thereby granting the right to exploit the abundant carbon and marine resources believed to be present in the area.
This development coincides with the creation of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, which is expected to give a boost to the Nigerian maritime sector.

Speaking on this development, the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency’s (NIMASA), Dr. Bashir Jamoh OFR applauded the decision by the United Nations to approve a request for the extension of Nigeria’s maritime territory beyond the standard 200 nautical miles from the country’s coast.
Dr. Jamoh argued that this extension of the nation’s maritime area has the potential to bring economic benefits to the country.
His words: “To the best of my knowledge, this is the first time the United Nations has ever approved additional maritime territory for Nigeria. We welcome this development, as it would boost our economic fortunes considerably. It is a plus for the Bola Ahmed Tinubu led Administration and I extend my congratulations to our Honorable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola CON.”
According to the UN, the Continental Shelf of a coastal State comprises the seabed and subsoil of the submarine areas that extend beyond its territorial sea throughout the natural prolongation of its land territory to the outer edge of the continental margin. Also, a distance of 200 nautical miles from the baselines from which the breadth of the territorial sea is measured, where the outer edge of the continental margin does not extend up to that distance.
“A Big Plus For Marine And Blue Economy Projects”
The news of the extension of Nigeria’s maritime boundaries up by an additional 20 nautical miles is in no way a little plus!
This is therefore an august opportunity for the Presidency, the Federal Ministry of Marine And Blue Economy, together with NIMASA in collaboration with the Nigerian Navy (NN) and other relevant stakeholders and consultants to enable Nigeria maximize all the current and future fortunes of our oceans and waterways.
Thank you❤