The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has called for the development of a national policy on waste management, in a bid to reduce marine litter and improve the environment.
This was disclosed by the Director-General of NIMASA, Dr Bashir Jamoh at NIMASA’s special day at the ongoing 2021 Lagos International Trade Fair, on Saturday; organised by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry and themed: “Connecting Businesses, Creating Value.’’
The NIMASA boss said proper waste management policies would develop Nigeria’s maritime economy.
What the NIMASA boss said
“Improving marine litter management will therefore also require improving systems for solid waste collection, transport, recycling, re-use and final disposal.
“Recycling must be encouraged to reduce dumping of plastics all over; disposal of hazardous chemical waste related to agriculture and manufacturing poses another challenge as some coastal communities lack adequate facilities for storage and disposal,” Jamoh said.
He added that marine litter affects economies, ecosystems, animal welfare and human health worldwide, citing that Lagos state with its huge population is dealing with energy issues due to huge demand.
“The state must begin to explore other newer and cheaper energy sources to meet the needs of its teeming population,” he said.
“Other challenges affecting Nigeria’s maritime economy include climate change, marine pollution, under investment and lack of maritime education,” he added.
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Nairametrics reported last week that the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has called for the introduction of standard protocols and legal frameworks for effective prosecution of maritime-related crimes to fight piracy.
