The Nigeria Marine Coastguard Volunteer Service has warned of the growing dangers posed by wreckage and litter in Nigeria’s waterways, describing them as serious threats to public health, marine life and national economic interests.
The Chief Commanding Officer of the Nigeria Marine Coastguard Volunteer Service, Captain Isaac Adamolekun, said the situation is critical, especially in areas like Ebute-Ero, where submerged wrecks lie beneath the surface, becoming increasingly dangerous with the rise in water levels during the rainy season.
Adamolekun said these wrecks release oil, hazardous materials, and chemical pollutants that degrade water quality and endanger marine ecosystems.
Adamolekun noted that litter and wreckage cause widespread environmental damage, depleting oxygen levels in the water and creating dead zones that are uninhabitable for marine life.
These pollutants, he warned, can also enter the food chain and pose long-term health risks to humans. According to him, the physical presence of submerged wrecks poses a major navigational hazard to boat operators, increasing the risk of accidents and vessel damage. He added that the unsightly condition of polluted waterways deters recreational use and undermines the safety and growth of marine tourism.
The coastguard chief highlighted the impact on marine wildlife, saying litter such as plastics and discarded fishing nets often entangle animals, leading to injuries, suffocation, or death.
He also raised concerns about plastic ingestion by marine species, which can cause internal harm and starvation.On human health, he explained that people who swim, fish, or travel in contaminated waters face risks ranging from physical injuries to exposure to waterborne diseases, adding that toxic substances from wrecks can contaminate seafood, posing risks to consumers.
He said the economic implications are also significant, noting that wrecks and marine debris interfere with transport and trade, and lower the value of waterfront property.
Adamolekun said while cleanup and wreck removal are costly and that the burden often falls on already-stretched public resources, there is a need for urgent intervention.
Adamolekun urged the government, relevant agencies, organisations, and maritime stakeholders to take the issue seriously. He stressed that cleaning up Nigeria’s waterways and preventing further pollution is essential not only for protecting marine life and human health but also for safeguarding economic activities dependent on safe and navigable waters.
