Stakeholders in the maritime sector of the Nigeria鈥檚 economy have lamented the havocs caused by marine debris in the country鈥檚 territorial waters, calling for a strengthened national policy framework to tackle the menace
This the experts have opined would avert the danger ahead and safeguard the future of Nigerian oceans.
The stakeholders, who made this call at the 2025 annual summit of the Shipping Correspondents Association of Nigeria (SCAN) in Lagos on Thursday, said the debris impaired navigational safety and port operations and by extension, pollute coastlines, undermining tourism, coastal livelihoods, and community health among others.
Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Abubakar Dantsoho, said marine debris threaten biodiversity, including fish, marine mammals, and seabirds, often resulting in entanglement and ingestion.
Dantsoho, represented by Principal Manager, Marine, NPA, Capt Femi Oyewole, said that as custodians of Nigeria鈥檚 seaports, the NPA is deeply vested in advancing national and global efforts to combat marine litter and preserve the integrity of the marine ecosystem.
He said: 鈥淒angers are no longer distant possibilities; they are present and growing,鈥 hence the need to tackle it headlong.
According to him, 鈥淣PA has taken several proactive measures to confront the menace head-on, as it 鈥渙perates and regulates port reception facilities at all major ports in Nigeria, ensuring full compliance with the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL 73/78), particularly Annex V which addresses garbage disposal from ships calling at the Ports Authority鈥檚 Four Pilotage Districts: Lagos, Delta, Bonny/Port Harcourt and Calabar Pilotage Districts.鈥
鈥淭hese facilities provide secure, environmentally-sound reception and handling of waste from vessels calling at Nigerian ports. They are equipped to receive a wide range of ship-generated wastes including plastics, food waste, domestic garbage, oily rags, and hazardous residues, besides daily sludges and bilges. By doing so, we eliminate the incentive for illegal disposal into the marine environment and ensure that all wastes are treated, recycled, or disposed of in accordance with national and international environmental standards,鈥 he said.
He added that the NPA regularly undertook dedicated marine litter and seaweed cleanup exercises within and around port channels, berths, and quay aprons.
鈥淏y removing plastics, packaging materials, vegetation waste, and solid litter, we are able to protect marine life, reduce blockages in port drainage systems, and ensure the smooth operation of vessels in port environments and navigational channels,鈥 he stated.
Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC), Pius Akutah applauded SCAN for choosing such a critical topic, and emphasized the need to prioritize the clearance of the water channels to ensure free sailing for the vessels on the inlands waterways.
Akutah, represented by Deputy Director, Monitoring and Enforcement, Adeshina Sarumi, said having a channel that is dotted with waste debris or shipwrecks is not favourable to the nation鈥檚 water transportation.
He enjoined the media to always verify reports and file them accurately with facts and figures in order to facilitate the operations of the agencies accordingly.
Managing Director, National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Bolaji Oyebamiji, urges all stakeholders to be upright in tackling marine debris.
He also emphasized the need for more enlightenment for the residents of the coastal communities.
He noted that marine waste is an issue that is affecting the whole world and not just Nigeria.
Oyebamiji, who was represented by Assistant General Manager, NIWA, Hajia Aisha Eri, said there is an existing marine litter action plan in place to curb the menace and this involves all stakeholders with shared responsibilities.
Oyebamiji said NIWA and other agencies are putting efforts in place, but needed the residents of coastal areas to desist from polluting the waters.
The Guest Speaker, and President, Nigerian Association of Master Mariners, Captain Tajudeen Alao expressed concerns that some strategic areas that should normally be tourist centers have been taken over by debris.
He said unchecked accumulation of marine debris has continued to threaten Nigeria鈥檚 competitiveness in the maritime space,
Represented by the Second Vice-President, Nigerian Association of Master Mariners, Captain Olugunwa Jide, sought for an established legislative framework backed by the National Assembly. He suggested a fine of N5 million for earrings waste disposers.
President, SCAN, said the theme of the summit, 鈥淢arine Debris: The Danger Ahead,鈥 highlights the urgent need to address the crisis of marine debris and its threat to the maritime industry, marine ecosystems, and coastal communities.
He said the summit aimed to facilitate national dialogue, share knowledge, and build collaborative strategies to combat marine debris and other forms of marine pollution.
鈥淭he growing prevalence of marine debris is not just an environmental issue; it is a socioeconomic threat that can undermine the very foundations of our maritime industry and coastal communities,鈥 Ebosele enthused.