By Muhammad Opeyemi
Lagos, July 2, ’25 (TNZ) Stakeholders in Nigeria’s maritime sector have called for strong legislation to end marine debris and protect the country’s oceans for future generations.
TheNewsZenith reports that they made the call during the 2025 annual summit of the Shipping Correspondents Association of Nigeria (SCAN) in Lagos.
The theme of the summit is “Marine Debris: The Danger Ahead”
They pointed out that marine debris hampers navigational safety, disrupts port operations, and pollutes coastlines. “The debris beneath the water also poses risks to tourism, coastal livelihoods, and public health.”
Guest Speaker, Capt. Tajudeen Alao, President of the Nigerian Association of Master Mariners (NAMM), decried the takeover of potential tourist sites by debris.
Alao warned that the unchecked spread of marine debris was damaging Nigeria’s competitiveness in the maritime sector.
Second Vice-President, Capt. Jide Olugunwa, who represented Alao, called for legislative support from the National Assembly for clearing the debris.
Also, Alalo suggested a fine of N5 million for anyone caught dumping waste illegally into Nigerian waters.
Alao noted that the summit’s theme underscored the urgency of the crisis facing marine ecosystems and coastal communities.
“The growing scale of marine debris is a socioeconomic threat.
“It endangers the maritime industry and the livelihoods of coastal communities,” TheNewsZenith quotes Alao as saying.
Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Abubakar Dantsoho, also spoke at the summit.
Dantsoho said marine debris endangers biodiversity, affecting fish, marine mammals, and seabirds through entanglement and ingestion.
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Represented by Capt. Femi Oyewole, the MD restated NPA’s commitment to global and national actions against marine litter to protect the ecosystems.
He noted that marine pollution was not a future threat. According to him, it is a growing and urgent issue to tackle immediately.
“NPA has adopted proactive steps, including operating port reception facilities at all major ports across Nigeria,” he said.
Dantsoho added that the facilities comply with the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL 73/78).
“Specifically, Annexe V deals with waste disposal from ships visiting the Ports Authority’s four pilotage districts.
“These facilities handle vessel waste securely and sustainably. They remove plastics, food waste, hazardous residues, sludges, and bilge water.
“This helps discourage illegal disposal and ensures that all waste is managed in line with national and international standards,” TheNewsZenith quotes him as saying.
Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC), Pius Akutah, called for urgent clearance of inland waterways for smooth vessel movement.
Akutah said debris and wrecks hinder water transport efficiency.
Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Mr Bolaji Oyebamiji, urged stakeholders to join efforts in tackling marine debris.
Oyebamiji also stressed the need for more education within coastal communities about the dangers of marine pollution.
He said marine waste was a global issue, not limited to Nigeria alone. (TNZ)
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