The Nigerian Ports Authority and other stakeholders in the maritime sector have called for a strengthened national policy framework to tackle marine debris and safeguard the future of Nigerian oceans.
They made this call on Thursday in Lagos during the 2025 summit of the Shipping Correspondents Association of Nigeria. They lamented that the marine debris impairs navigational safety and port operations, “polluting coastlines, undermining tourism, coastal livelihoods, and community health among others.”
The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, explained that marine debris threatened biodiversity, including fish, marine mammals, and seabirds, often resulting in entanglement and ingestion.
Represented at the event by the Principal Manager of Marine at NPA, Femi Oyewole, the NPA boss said that as custodians of Nigeria’s seaports, the NPA is deeply committed to advancing national and global efforts to combat marine litter and preserve the integrity of the marine ecosystem.
“Dangers are no longer distant possibilities; they are present and growing”, hence the need to tackle them headlong,” he said. Dantsoho stated that the NPA has taken several proactive measures to confront the menace.
“As we operate 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 four pilotage Districts: Lagos, Delta, Bonny/Port Harcourt and Calabar Pilotage Districts,” he said.
The NPA boss maintained that these facilities provide secure, environmentally sound reception and handling of waste from vessels calling at Nigerian ports.
He said 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 by national and international environmental standards,” he said.
Dantsoho added that the NPA regularly undertakes dedicated marine litter and seaweed cleanup exercises within and around port channels, berths, and quay aprons.
He highlighted that by removing plastics, packaging materials, vegetation waste, and solid litter, “we can protect marine life, reduce blockages in port drainage systems, and ensure the smooth operation of vessels in port environments and navigational channels.”
The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Shippers Council, Dr Pius Akutah, applauded SCAN for choosing such a critical topic. Akutah emphasised the need to prioritise the clearance of the water channels to ensure free sailing for the vessels on the inland 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’s water transportation.
The Managing Director, National Inland Waterways Authority, Bolaji Oyebamiji, urged all stakeholders to be upright in tackling marine debris and emphasized the need for more enlightenment for the residents of the coastal communities.
Oyebamiji, who was represented by Assistant General Manager, NIWA, Mrs Aisha Eri, noted that marine waste is an issue that is affecting the whole world and not just Nigeria. He 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 they need 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.
