– Advocate policy framework to tackle menace
Esther Oritse
Lagos — Stakeholders in the maritime sector have raised alarm over the danger of marine debris to shipping sub-sector of the Nigerian maritime industry, coastal communities and called for a strong national policy framework to tackle the impact of the menace.
Speaking at this year’s edition of Shipping Correspondent of Nigeria, SCAN Summit, held in Lagos, stakeholders said the debris impacts navigational safety and port operations and pollute coastlines, undermining tourism, coastal livelihoods, and community health among others.
Managing Director, NPA, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, at the summit, said marine debris threaten 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 of 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.
“By removing plastics, packaging materials, vegetation waste, and solid litter, we are able to protect marine life, reduce blockages in port drainage systems, and ensure the smooth operation of vessels in port environments and navigational channels” he stated.
Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC), Pius Akutah applauded SCAN for choosing such a critical topic, and emphasis on the need to prioritize 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.
He enjoined the media to always publish verified reports with facts and figures in order to facilitate the operations of the agencies accordingly.
Managing Director, National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Bolaji Oyebamiji, urges all stakeholders to be upright in tackling marine debris and emphasized the need for more enlightenment for the residents of the coastal communities.
Noting that marine waste is an issue that is affecting the whole world and not just Nigeria.
Oyebamiji, who was Represented by Assistant General Manager, NIWA, Mrs Aisha Eri, 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 needed 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.
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 of 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.
