Stakeholders demand stronger national policy to combat marine debris, protect Nigerian oceans
Abdullateef Fowewe
At the 2025 Shipping Correspondents Association of Nigeria (SCAN) summit in Lagos, maritime sector stakeholders called for an enhanced national policy framework to address the escalating threat of marine debris.
They warned that marine litter compromises navigational safety, port operations, coastal tourism, livelihoods, and public health.
The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Abubakar Dantsoho, highlighted that marine debris endangers biodiversity, including fish, marine mammals, and seabirds, often causing entanglement and ingestion.
Represented by Principal Manager, Marine, NPA, Capt. Femi Oyewole, he stressed, “The dangers are no longer distant possibilities; they are present and growing,” urging immediate action.
He detailed NPA’s proactive measures, including operating port reception facilities compliant with MARPOL Annex V to handle ship-generated waste, and regular cleanup exercises to protect marine life and ensure smooth port operations.
The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Pius Akutah, stressed the importance of clearing waterways of waste debris and shipwrecks to facilitate free vessel movement.
Akutah, who was 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’s water transportation. He thereby urged the media to report accurately to support agency operations.
Bolaji Oyebamiji, Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), called for increased public enlightenment in coastal communities and stressed shared stakeholder responsibility in implementing the marine litter action plan. He urged coastal residents to desist from polluting waters.
Oyebamiji, who was Represented by Assistant General Manager, NIWA, Mrs 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 noted 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 concern over debris overtaking potential tourist sites and its threat to Nigeria’s maritime competitiveness.
The association called for a legislative framework with penalties, proposing fines of N5 million for illegal waste disposal.
SCAN President Ebosele framed the summit theme, “Marine Debris: The Danger Ahead,” as a call to national dialogue and collaboration to combat marine pollution, noting, “The 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”.
However, this call aligns with ongoing federal efforts to develop a comprehensive National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy aimed at sustainable growth in fisheries, aquaculture, renewable energy, tourism, and seabed mining while addressing environmental degradation and illegal activities such as IUU fishing.
The policy is designed to safeguard marine resources for future generations through a robust legal and institutional framework.
