Nigeria’s Forgotten Lagoons: The High Costs Of Marine Litter And Inaction

Despite the establishment of a Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, maritime experts have lamented that a disturbing silence echoes across Nigeria’s once vibrant lagoons, now sparsely occupied by just a handful of boats.

This challenge has been attributed to sea blindness in the nation, as lagoons and beaches are characterised by pollution and waste; even as Tarkwa Bay beach in Lagos has been labeled the world’s largest marine dumpsite.

Speaking at an executive course on the blue economy for media practitioners organised by the International Maritime Institute of Nigeria (IMION) on Wednesday, Rear Admiral Francis Akpan (Rtd), raised alarm over the underutilization of the nation’s vast blue resources – a crisis rooted in sea blindness.

He argued that while countries like France have restored and repurposed their urban rivers – most recently purifying the Seine river for Olympic swimming – Nigeria’s waterways remain largely forgotten.

“Tarkwa Bay is the recipient of the highest marine dumpsite for efuse on earth. You can quote me. Bonny comes close as second. If you stand by the Seine River in Paris, you’ll count more than 50 ferries operating actively. Meanwhile, our own lagoons are virtually deserted,” Akpan remarked.

Akpan, who is also the Chairman, Board of Trustees of Maritime Security Providers Association of Nigeria (MASPAN), expressed worry that while other maritime nations are advancing with maritime developments, Nigeria continues in rhetorics of unlocking potentials.

“There is a widespread ignorance of the importance of maritime space and naval power by policymakers, the public, and even academia. It leads to poor investment, weak policy implementation, and missed economic opportunities.

“Nigeria must urgently awaken to the reality that maritime supremacy is not merely about security, but a powerful tool of foreign policy and economic development. The nation’s emerging blue economy offers potential for job creation, regional integration, and sustainable development — but only if backed by strategic action.

“A functioning navy, coast guard, and a clearly defined maritime strategy are no longer optional. They are prerequisites for any country seeking global relevance. Seminars, capacity-building trainings, and stakeholder engagements are slowly shifting perspectives, but we need to move faster,” he posited.

Noting the creation of Marine and Blue Economy in 2023 , he charged journalists to explore the relationship between blue economy and development of maritime seas.

“What is the status of the blue economy development in Nigeria? What are the imperatives that will enhance and facilitate the manifestation of blue economy in Nigeria? The aim for us is to look at imperatives of blue economy in Nigeria,” Akpan said.

On his part, the Founder of Multimix Academy, Dr. Obiora Madu, observed that several years ago the Nigerian fishing sector could boast of a thriving sector with huge trawlers including the Osadjere fishing company – which was one of the largest decades ago.

He, however, observed that the recent classification of the Lome seaport as the hub for shipping activities in West and Central Africa as a wake-up call for the Nigerian government and its maritime stakeholders.

In his welcome remarks, the Director General of IMION, Rear Admiral Thaddeus Udofia (Rtd) said the training was to reaffirm the indispensable role of the media in shaping public perception, driving accountability and catalyzing positive change in the ocean space.

“The stories you tell, the facts you report and the perspectives you elevate will be instrumental in informing public discourse, influencing policy and inspiring responsible stewardship of our marine resources. Your work is not just journalism it is advocacy, it is education and it is nation-building,” Udofia said.

He encouraged journalists to deepen their collaborations and remain passionate advocates for a sustainable Blue Economy for the nation, other Gulf of Guinea States and the world.

Also speaking at the training exercise, the President of Nigerian Maritime Law Association (NMLA), Mrs. Funke Agbor (SAN), encouraged the maritime media and the entire stakeholders not to give up on the sector on account of its sea blindness.

She described the recently concluded National Policy on Blue Economy as a beautiful document, but warned that implementation has always been Nigeria’s problem.

“Nigeria is a beautiful coastal country that is taking for granted the opportunities for maritime tourism, transportation and other benefits derivable from the oceans.

“We can’t afford to be discouraged because we don’t have clean and safe waters. There are other countries that landlocked but we are privileged to have waters,” Agbor said.

She, however, charged the media to instill the believe and thoughts that the nation could redefine itself through the blue economy.

In his goodwill message on behalf of maritime journalists, the President of Maritime Reporters’ Association of Nigeria (MARAN), Mr. Godfrey Bivbere, extended appreciation to the IMION for the impactful training and capacity-building initiative extended to journalists.

“We believe that sustained collaboration between maritime journalists and the Navy is vital in promoting transparency, national security, and the development of Nigeria’s blue economy. We look forward to more meaningful engagements in the spirit of mutual growth and national interest,” Bivbere said.

The event was also graced by the President of Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) Nigeria and former Director General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Barr. (Mrs.) Mfon Usoro.