The Association of Admiralty of Nigeria (ASN) has called on all maritime institutions to curb challenges affecting the sector. It also called for safety in the marine environment and in all maritime operations.
In a statement, the group lamented that coastlines are full of plastic waste, which is toxic to aquatic animals and ultimately transferred to human consumers. It causes diseases such as cancer and premature death.
In a statement signed by its president, Angus Obinna Chukwuka, the group maintained that toxic waste is still being dumped into inland waters and territorial waters, destroying aquatic life and ecosystems.
“Drought and insufficient buoys in our waterways. These represent risks to cargo, passengers and seafarers on both ships. Maritime operations and businesses are at risk with untold economic losses as a result. “Many ships continue to sail unchecked and pollute our waters with oil,” the group lamented.
ASN challenges the Nigerian Navy, National Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) and Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to take up the challenge of curbing oil theft along waterways that pollutes and endangers lives and property. I asked for it.
“The National Inland Waterways Authority must carry out proper dredging of waterways to facilitate vessel navigation and remove life-threatening shipwrecks and the waste within them.
“Countries should also invest in research into the recycling potential of all the waste and toxic materials that currently crowd or litter our coastlines and waterways. Zero waste strategies should be applied to efforts.
“We also need immediate and regular training and retraining of maritime safety personnel to ensure they adopt international best practices in ensuring safety in the maritime environment. Appropriate equipment and facilities must be provided to carry out this task, and erring officers who undermine ethical standards through bribery and corrupt practices should be punished, regardless of their tribe or religion.” the group said.
