Maritime group under the auspices of the Shipping Correspondents Association of Nigeria has highlighted the urgent need to address the crisis of marine debris and its burgeoning threat to the maritime industry, marine ecosystems, and coastal communities.

The President of SCAN, Moses Ebosele, in a statement on Wednesday, stated this while announcing its 2025 summit themed ‘Marine Debris: ‘The Danger Ahead’ billed to take place on Thursday in Lagos.

Giving details of the summit, Ebosele explained that the summit will gather industry leaders, environmental experts, policymakers, and stakeholders from across the sector to explore the multifaceted challenges posed by marine debris.

According to him, with studies indicating that millions of tonnes of plastic waste enter Nigerian oceans annually, “the implications for marine life, human health, and economic stability are dire. This summit aims to facilitate dialogue, share knowledge, and build collaborative strategies to combat marine pollution effectively.”

Ebosele said that as an association dedicated to promoting sustainable practices within Nigeria’s maritime sector, SCAN is committed to raising awareness about the challenges posed by marine debris.

He said, “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. Through this summit, we seek to unite all stakeholders in addressing this challenge head-on.”

Ebosele urged government representatives, industry stakeholders, and environmental advocates to participate in the summit, stressing that “together, we can devise comprehensive strategies to combat marine debris and ensure a safer, cleaner marine environment for future generations.”

He added that the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, is the special guest of honour, while the President of the National Association of Master Mariners, Capt. Tajudeen Alao, is the guest speaker.