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Industrial discharge introduces heavy metals into ocean, contaminating fish and damaging ecosystems.
- Weak enforcement of environmental laws limits Nigeria’s ability to curb marine pollution effectively.
For decades, fishing has been the lifeline of Nigeria’s coastal communities, sustaining livelihoods, feeding millions, and driving local economies.
But increasingly, this vital source of sustenance is under threat. From oil spills to plastic waste, marine pollution is reshaping the coastline and jeopardising the future of traditional fishing communities.
Stretching over 850 kilometres, Nigeria’s coastline spans across nine states — from Lagos in the west to Cross River in the east.
Communities along these areas, including Bonny in Rivers, Ibeno in Akwa Ibom, and Ilaje in Ondo, depend heavily on the Atlantic Ocean for their daily catch.
However, worsening pollution has become a major obstacle to their survival.
OIL SPILLS: A PERSISTENT MENACE
One of the most devastating forms of marine pollution in Nigeria is crude oil spillage.
With thousands of kilometres of pipelines and numerous offshore platforms operated by both local and international oil companies, leaks and accidental discharges have been recurrent problems.
According to data from the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), Nigeria recorded over 400 oil spill incidents in 2023 alone, with the Niger Delta being the most affected.
In Bayelsa and Rivers, communities have long battled oil-contaminated waters. “We used to catch big fish here,” said a fisherman in Bodo, Rivers State. “Now, sometimes we go out for hours and return with nothing. The oil has poisoned our waters.” Studies by environmental groups have confirmed significant reductions in fish populations in polluted areas, often forcing fishers to travel longer distances for dwindling returns.
PLASTIC AND DOMESTIC WASTE
Beyond oil, Nigeria’s coastal waters are choked with plastic waste and other non-biodegradable materials.
In Lagos, where urban runoff empties directly into the Atlantic, plastic bottles, bags, and packaging materials are commonly seen floating along the shores.
Marine biologists warn that microplastics — tiny plastic particles formed from the breakdown of larger waste — are entering the food chain.
“Fish ingest these particles, which may then be consumed by humans,” said a researcher at the Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research (NIOMR). “The long-term health risks are still being studied, but the ecological damage is clear.”
Communities like Badagry and Ibeno say the pollution is affecting not only fish stocks but also tourism and mangrove ecosystems.
Beachfront areas once used for relaxation and commerce are now littered with waste, further diminishing economic opportunities.
INDUSTRIAL DISCHARGE AND CHEMICAL POLLUTANTS
Another source of concern is the unregulated discharge of industrial effluents. Factories and processing plants located near coastal areas often release untreated wastewater into rivers that flow into the ocean. This includes heavy metals and harmful chemicals that disrupt aquatic life.
A 2022 report by the Nigerian Environmental Society highlighted elevated levels of mercury and lead in water samples collected near Port Harcourt.
These contaminants can bioaccumulate in fish tissue, posing a risk to both marine species and human consumers.
Fishermen in the affected areas say the changes are visible. “Some of the fish we catch now have sores or strange colours,” said a community leader in Ilaje, Ondo State. “People are afraid to eat them.”
REGULATORY EFFORTS AND CHALLENGES
The Nigerian government has enacted several policies aimed at protecting the marine environment, including the Sea Fisheries Act and various guidelines under the Federal Ministry of Environment.
Agencies like NOSDRA and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) are responsible for enforcement.
However, implementation remains weak due to limited funding, overlapping mandates, and inadequate monitoring systems. Analysts say enforcement is also hampered by a lack of political will and resistance from powerful industrial stakeholders.
Community-led efforts, often supported by non-governmental organisations, have attempted to bridge the gap.
In some areas, youth groups organise beach cleanups and conduct awareness campaigns. Still, these grassroots actions are no match for the scale of pollution confronting the coastline.
A WAY FORWARD
Experts advocate a multifaceted approach to combat marine pollution. These include stronger enforcement of environmental laws, investment in waste management infrastructure, and the adoption of sustainable fishing practices.
There are also calls for oil companies to be held accountable for spills and for better compensation and remediation efforts in affected areas.
For now, many coastal communities continue to bear the brunt of environmental degradation with limited support.
As pollution spreads, the threats to health, food security, and economic stability are likely to deepen.
Unless decisive action is taken, Nigeria’s rich coastal heritage — and the livelihoods it sustains — may face an uncertain future.
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