EXPERTS ADVOCATES ESTABLISHMENT OF NATIONAL POLICY FRAMEWORK TO ADDRESS THE MENACE OF MARINE DEBRIS IN THE NATION’S WATERWAYS, MARINE ECOSYSTEM AND COASTAL COMMUNITIES 27-06-25
By Sadiq Aminu An urgent establishment of a robust national policy framework to address the menace of marine debris in the nation’s waterways, marine ecosystem and coastal communities, has been advocated.
The advocacy emanated from the concerns raised at the 2025 Annual Summit on Environmental Degradation as a threat to the nation’s blue economy initiative.
Speaking at the event, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority NPA Dr Mohammed Dantsoho said marine debris was already impacting negatively on the marine ecosystem and on ports operations, noting that, its dangers are no longer distant but are presently growing hence the urgent need to interventions.
He however noted that the NPA was fully engaged in combating the crisis through total compliance with international conventions such as Maritime Pollution 73/78 Annex V and through the Operations of Ports Reception Facilities in the nation’s Pilotage Districts.
He was represented by the Principal Manager, Marine Operations, Captain Femi Oyewole.
Also speaking on the issue, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shipper’s Council, Dr. Pius Akutah, who was represented by the Deputy Director, Monitoring and Enforcement, Mr Adeshina Sarumi, called attention to the economic costs of waste – choked waterways and emphasized the need to prioritise the constant clearing up, of the water channels to ensure a safe, secure and efficient vessels navigation.
He charged the Media to continue to play their roles by regular reportage of maritime issues, factually and responsibly to assist the work of the Regulatory Agencies, in the Sector.
Meanwhile, the Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority, NIWA, Mr Bolaji Oyebamiji called on all Stakeholders in the nation’s maritime industry to commit themselves to a united front, against marine pollution and he acknowledged the existence of Marine Liter Action Plan but solicited the cooperation of coastal communities, as being very critical in achieving success.
Mr Oyebamiji was represented at the occasion by the General Manager, Marine Operations, Mrs Aisha Eri.
The Summit concluded with a shared agreement for an urgent action plan by all key Stakeholders to address the crisis of marine debris, to safeguard the nation’s marine ecosystem and efficient ports operations.