ABUJA, Dec. 4 (Xinhua) -- The Nigerian government on Monday said it will open up opportunities for collaboration among scientists the world over to take part in the study of the Atlantic Ocean, the second largest in the world.
Minister of Science and Technology Ogbonnaya Onu at a ceremony in Abuja told participants at a summit, which coincided with the opening of a fact-finding facility mainly set up for the studying of the Atlantic Ocean, that the West African country will deploy experts and welcome keen interest from scientists across the world to study the ocean with a total area of about 106,460,000 square kilometers.
Onu said the knowledge about space and the oceans is yet very limited, noting "both hold a lot of promise for the future of humanity."
The newly opened Atlantic International Research (AIR) Center placed Nigeria as a founding member of a world group to study the Atlantic Ocean, using science and technology tools, particularly in the application of space science and technology.
Onu, speaking at the summit, tagged "Science, Technology, and Nigeria/Portugal collaborative framework," said Nigeria's involvement in the study of the ocean could not be overemphasized, considering its large coastline bordering the ocean, its economic significance as well as huge population, to mention a few.
"The research facility will provide the opportunity for Nigerian scientists, engineers and allied professionals to join other scientists to study and explore the Atlantic Ocean to the benefit of Nigerians and other citizens in the world," the official added.
The Atlantic Ocean covers approximately 20 percent of the earth's surface and about 29 percent of its water surface area.
