•Call For Ban On Single Use Plastics

Stakeholders in the maritime sector have described marine debris as a threat to Nigeria’s competitiveness in the maritime space. The stakeholders, who stated this call at the 2025 yearly summit of the Shipping Correspondents Association of Nigeria (SCAN) in Lagos, called for a strengthened national policy framework to tackle marine debris to avert the danger ahead and safeguard the future of the country’s oceans.

They noted that debris impaired navigational safety and port operations, polluting coastlines, undermining tourism, coastal livelihoods, and community health among others.

The Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Abubakar Dantsoho, at the summit, said marine debris threatens biodiversity, including fish, marine mammals, and seabirds, often resulting in entanglement and ingestion.

Dantsoho, represented by Principal Manager, Marine, NPA, Capt Femi Oyewole, said as custodians of Nigeria’s seaports, the NPA is deeply vested in advancing national and global efforts to combat marine litter and preserve the integrity of the marine ecosystem.He said: “The dangers are no longer distant possibilities, they are present and growing, hence the need to tackle it headlong.”

According to him, “NPA has taken several proactive measures to confront the menace head-on, as it operates 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 Ports Authority’s Four Pilotage Districts: Lagos, Delta, Bonny/Port Harcourt and Calabar Pilotage Districts.

“These facilities provide secure, environmentally-sound reception and handling of waste from vessels calling at Nigerian ports. 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 in accordance with national and international environmental standards,” he said.

Besides, he said the NPA regularly undertakes dedicated marine litter and seaweed cleanup exercises within and around port channels, berths, and quay aprons.

The Executive Secretary, Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC), Pius Akutah applauded SCAN for choosing such a critical topic, emphasizing on the need to prioritize the clearing of the water channels to ensure free sailing for vessels on the inlands waterways.

Akutah, represented by Deputy Director, Monitoring and Enforcement, AdeshinaSarumi said having a channel that is dotted with waste debris or shipwrecks is not favourable to the nation’s water transportation.

He enjoined the media to always verify reports and file them accurately with facts and figures in order to facilitate the operations of the agencies accordingly.

Managing Director, National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Bolaji Oyebamiji, urged all stakeholders to be upright in tackling marine debris.
Noting that marine waste is an issue that is affecting the whole world and not just Nigeria,Oyebamiji, represented by Assistant General Manager, NIWA, Mrs. Aisha Eri, said there is an existing marine litter action plan in place to curb the menace.

The Guest Speaker, and President, Nigerian Association of Master Mariners, Captain TajudeenAlao expressed concerns that some strategic areas that should normally be tourist centres have been taken over by debris.

He said unchecked accumulation of marine debris has continued to threaten Nigeria’s competitiveness in the maritime space. Represented by the Second Vice-President, Nigerian Association of Master Mariners, Captain Olugunwa Jide, sought for an established legislative framework backed by the National Assembly. He suggested a fine of N5 million for earrings waste disposers.

President, SCAN, Moses Ebosele said the theme of the summit, “Marine Debris: The Danger Ahead,” highlights the urgent need to address the crisis of marine debris and its threat to the maritime industry, marine ecosystems, and coastal communities.

He said the summit aims to facilitate national dialogue, share knowledge, and build collaborative strategies to combat marine debris and other forms of marine pollution.

“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,” Ebosele said.