Amid rising concerns over environmental degradation and threats to Nigeria’s blue economy, stakeholders in the maritime sector have raised the alarm over escalating crisis of marine debris, calling for the urgent establishment of a robust national policy framework to address the menace and protect the nation’s waterways, marine life, and coastal communities.
The concerns were raised at the 2025 Annual Summit of the Shipping Correspondents Association of Nigeria (SCAN), held in Lagos on Thursday with the theme: “Marine Debris: The Danger Ahead.” Participants described marine debris not just as pollution, but as a growing threat to biodiversity, navigation safety, trade, coastal tourism, and the health of local communities.
Speaking at the summit, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Mr. Abubakar Dantsoho who was represented by Principal Manager, Marine, Capt. Femi Oyewole said marine debris is already impacting marine life and port operations.
“The dangers are no longer distant possibilities; they are present and growing,” Dantsoho warned. He added that the NPA is fully engaged in combating the crisis through compliance with international conventions such as MARPOL 73/78 Annex V, and through the operation of port reception facilities in Nigeria’s major pilotage districts.
“These facilities receive ship-generated waste including plastics, oily rags, and hazardous residues, thereby eliminating incentives for illegal sea dumping,” he said. He also noted that the NPA regularly conducts cleanup exercises to protect marine life and ensure smooth port operations.
In his goodwill message, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Dr. Pius Akutah who was represented by Deputy Director, Monitoring and Enforcement, Mr. Adeshina Sarumi called attention to the economic cost of waste-choked waterways. He emphasized the need to prioritize the clearance of water channels to ensure safe and efficient vessel navigation.
Dr Akutah also charged the media to play its part by reporting maritime issues factually and responsibly to aid the work of regulatory agencies.
On his part, the Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Mr. Bolaji Oyebamiji, represented by Assistant General Manager, Mrs. Aisha Eri, called on all stakeholders to commit to a united front against marine litter. He acknowledged the existence of a Marine Litter Action Plan, but stressed that cooperation from coastal communities is critical to achieving long-term success.
“We need more public enlightenment, especially in coastal areas, to discourage indiscriminate dumping of waste into our waters,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Guest Speaker and President of the Nigerian Association of Master Mariners, Capt. Tajudeen Alao, described the marine debris problem as one eroding Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global maritime space.
Represented by the association’s Second Vice-President, Capt. Olugunwa Jide, he called for a legislative framework backed by the National Assembly, including a proposed fine of N5 million for individuals or companies caught disposing waste illegally in water bodies.
Earlier, the President of SCAN, Mr. Moses Ebosele, said the summit’s theme was deliberately chosen to draw national attention to the crisis of marine debris, which he described as both an environmental and socioeconomic threat.
“The goal is to drive conversations and collaboration that will lead to practical solutions. Marine debris threatens not only our marine ecosystems, but the very foundations of our maritime industry and coastal livelihoods,” Ebosele said.
As the summit concluded, there was a shared agreement among stakeholders that urgent action, supported by legislation, public education, and inter-agency collaboration — is needed to address the crisis and safeguard Nigeria’s marine future.
