Maritime leaders demand stronger policy to combat Nigeria’s marine debris crisis

Stakeholders in Nigeria’s maritime industry have called for a stronger national policy framework to combat the rising tide of marine debris threatening biodiversity, shipping operations, and coastal livelihoods.

Industry leaders at the annual summit of the Shipping Correspondents Association of Nigeria (SCAN) held in Lagos this year, warned that the damage being caused by unregulated waste disposal is no longer a distant threat but an active crisis demanding urgent national response.

“According to National Geographic, eight million tonnes of plastic enter the ocean each year and is estimated to triple to 23-27 million tonnes by 2040.

With 2.5 million tonnes of plastic waste annually, Nigeria is the 9th largest contributor of marine litter in the world and among the top African countries contributing to marine debris and mismanaged plastic flowing into the Gulf of Guinea.

“The dangers are no longer distant possibilities; they are present and growing,” said Abubakar Dantsoho, managing director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), in a message delivered by Capt. Femi Oyewole, principal manager, marine at NPA. “Marine debris threatens biodiversity, including fish, marine mammals, and seabirds, often resulting in entanglement and ingestion.”

Dantsoho said the NPA has equipped facilities across its four pilotage districts, Lagos, Delta, Bonny/Port Harcourt, and Calabar, to receive a wide range of ship waste, from plastics and food leftovers to oily rags and hazardous residues.

“These actions ensure that all waste is treated, recycled or disposed of in line with national and international environmental standards,” Dantsoho said.

In addition to infrastructure, the NPA also carries out dedicated marine litter and seaweed cleanup operations around port berths, quay aprons and navigational channels to ensure smooth vessel operations while protecting marine life from suffocating waste and clogged drainage.

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Pius Akutah, CEO of the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC), stressed the need to clear inland water channels of waste and debris to prevent disruptions to vessel movement.

He warned that the presence of shipwrecks and floating garbage on critical waterways undermines the potential of Nigeria’s water transport system.

Akutah, represented by the deputy director of monitoring and enforcement, Adeshina Sarumi, described such blockages as a threat to efficient inland shipping and economic activity.

Other stakeholders think communit participation is also important to address the problem. Bolaji Oyebamiji, the Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) said that while agencies like NIWA are playing their part, the fight against marine waste must involve stronger community efforts and public education.

In Nigeria, over 94 million plastic sachet water bags are consumed daily across the Gulf of Guinea, with Nigeria accounting for a significant share.

Maritime leaders noted that Nigeria has an existing marine litter action plan, but stakeholders including residents of coastal communities must take responsibility for effectiveness.

“This is not just a Nigerian problem; marine waste is a global issue,” he said. “We need residents to stop polluting the waters and help preserve our waterways.”