As the world marks World Maritime Day 2025, the Ports Authority Police Command has called for urgent and collective action from the government, maritime industry stakeholders, and local communities to protect the marine environment.

In a goodwill message to commemorate the event in Nigeria, the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Isaac Hundeyin, stressed that the ocean remains humanity’s “lifeline,” providing food, jobs, trade routes, and vital connections for millions of people around the world.

He said this year’s celebration, themed “Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity,” underscores the crucial role the ocean plays in sustaining life, facilitating trade, and strengthening global connectivity.

“The ocean is our lifeline, a source of food, jobs, trade and connection for millions across the world. Yet, it faces growing challenges from pollution and climate change to overexploitation and biodiversity loss,” Hundeyin said.

“It is our obligation to protect the marine environment, to ensure cleaner shipping, safer waters and sustainable use of ocean resources. It is our opportunity to innovate, to build a greener, more resilient maritime industry that secures the future of generations to come,” he added.

Hundeyin urged all maritime stakeholders, including seafarers, regulators, and private sector operators, to adopt practices that reduce pollution, promote sustainable shipping, and protect biodiversity.