Marine Debris: NPA Is Committed To Ensuring A Cleaner Marine Ecosystem — Dantsoho
Kathy Kyari
The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Abubakar Dantsoho has underlined the agency's commitment to maintaining a clean marine ecosystem.
Dantsoho made this statement while delivering a paper titled "Marine Debris and Port Environmental Management: NPA's Commitment to a Cleaner Marine Ecosystem" at the Shipping Correspondent Association of Nigeria's (SCAN) Annual Summit on Thursday, June 26, 2025.
Dantsoho, represented by Capt Femi Oyewole, Principal Manager, Marine, NPA, stated that as stewards of Nigeria's seaports, the NPA is strongly invested in furthering national and global efforts to eradicate marine litter and protect the integrity of the marine ecosystem.
He claims that the success of the interventions is hampered by a number of issues, including the high amount of plastic consumption, inadequate waste management techniques inland, and lax enforcement of anti-littering regulations in coastal areas, as well as illegal dumping by shoreline communities and port users.
He also noted that marine debris endangered fish, marine mammals, seabirds, and other biodiversity, frequently leading to entanglement and ingestion. Additionally, the debris harmed port operations and navigational safety, contaminated coastlines, and negatively impacted tourism, coastal livelihoods, and community health, among other things.
"The dangers are no longer distant possibilities; they are present and growing”, hence the need to tackle it headlong.
“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.
He added that 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 inlands 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 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, also urged 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, SCAN, 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.
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