By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
The Federal Ministry of Environment in collaboration with PROTEGO has launched a Policy Brief on Policies, Institutional Set-Up and Financing of Marine Litter Prevention in Nigeria, as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s response to growing environmental threats posed by waste pollution in waterways and coastal communities.
The launch on Tuesday, brought together government officials, environmental experts, development partners and stakeholders to chart a pathway for preventing marine litter, particularly plastic pollution, from entering Nigeria’s rivers and oceans.
The launch was supported by adelphi, Nigeria Climate Innovation Centre and WASTE Africa.
Speaking at the event on behalf of the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, Mrs. Omotunde Adeola, Director II, Pollution Control and Environmental Health at the Federal Ministry of Environment, described marine litter as one of the most urgent environmental challenges confronting the world today.
According to the Minister, marine litter threatens biodiversity, disrupts ecosystem functions, undermines livelihoods in coastal communities and poses significant risks to public health and economic sustainability.
“As a coastal nation, Nigeria is not exempt from these impacts. Our rivers and waterways often serve as pathways through which waste enters the marine environment. This makes it crucial for us to adopt a comprehensive, coordinated and forward-looking strategy to address the problem,” the Minister said.
He explained that the newly launched policy brief provides an evidence-based assessment of Nigeria’s current policies, institutional frameworks and financing mechanisms for preventing marine litter, while also identifying gaps and recommending practical steps for improvement.
The Minister noted that the Federal Ministry of Environment had over the years demonstrated commitment to tackling plastic pollution through initiatives such as the National Policy on Plastic Waste Management, implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility and engagement under the National Plastic Action Partnership aimed at promoting a circular economy.
He, however, stressed the need for stronger policy coherence and enforcement across all levels of government, improved institutional coordination, sustainable financing mechanisms, better data harmonisation and broader stakeholder participation, particularly involving the private sector and local communities.
Speaking with journalists at the event, Mrs. Falmata Bukar-Kolo, Deputy Director, Solid Waste Management and Technology Division of the Department of Pollution Control and Environmental Health at the ministry, said financing remains central to efforts aimed at preventing marine litter.
Falmata Bukar-Kolo said preventing marine litter before it enters waterways is more cost-effective than cleanup efforts, adding that effective financing could support recycling initiatives and waste-to-energy approaches capable of creating jobs while reducing pollution.
“The Ministry of Environment is working tirelessly, but we cannot do it alone. We have to involve stakeholders, international partners and civil society. We need a holistic approach to tackle marine pollution and ensure our waterways are free of plastic pollution and other forms of waste,”she said.
Also speaking, Clem Ugorji, Regional Coordinator Africa, PROTEGO, said the policy brief was developed following over one year of collaboration with the ministry and stakeholders to assess gaps in Nigeria’s policy and regulatory landscape on marine litter prevention.
According to Ugorji, studies conducted across identified hotspots revealed weaknesses in policies, institutional frameworks and waste management systems, with available estimates indicating that Nigeria loses at least $1 billion annually to disruptions caused by marine litter and poor waste management, underscoring the urgency for stronger regulations and preventive measures.
