The Federal Ministry of Environment, in partnership with PROTEGO, has launched a Policy Brief on Policies, Institutional Set-Up and Financing of Marine Litter Prevention in Nigeria to tackle the growing threat of waste pollution in the country’s waterways and coastal communities.
The policy brief, unveiled on Tuesday, brought together government officials, environmental experts, development partners and key stakeholders to develop practical strategies for prevent marine litter, particularly plastic waste, from polluting Nigeria’s rivers and oceans.
The initiative received support from adelphi, the Nigeria Climate Innovation Centre and WASTE Africa.
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Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, Mrs. Omotunde Adeola, Director II, Pollution Control and Environmental Health at the ministry, described marine litter as one of the most pressing environmental crises facing the world.
Threaten Biodiversity
She noted that marine litter continues to threaten biodiversity, disrupt ecosystems, weaken livelihoods in coastal communities and create serious risks to public health and economic sustainability.
“As a coastal nation, Nigeria is not insulated from these impacts. Our rivers and waterways often serve as channels through which waste enters the marine environment. This makes it imperative for us to adopt a comprehensive, coordinated and forward-looking approach to addressing the challenge,” the Minister emphasised.
He explained that the newly launched policy brief offers an evidence-based assessment of Nigeria’s current policies, institutional arrangements and financing mechanisms for marine litter prevention, while identifying existing gaps and proposing actionable recommendations.
The Minister further highlighted the Federal Ministry of Environment’s longstanding commitment to reducing plastic pollution through initiatives such as the National Policy on Plastic Waste Management, the implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility and engagement with the National Plastic Action Partnership to promote a circular economy.
Institutional Coordination
He however, stressed urgent need for stronger policy alignment and enforcement across all tiers of government, enhanced institutional coordination, sustainable financing, improved data harmonisation and wider stakeholder involvement, especially from the private sector and local communities.
Speaking with journalists at the event, Mrs. Falmata Bukar-Kolo, Deputy Director, Solid Waste Management and Technology Division, Department of Pollution Control and Environmental Health, said financing remains a critical pillar in efforts to prevent marine litter.
According to her, stopping waste before it reaches rivers and oceans is significantly cheaper and more effective than cleanup operations, adding that adequate financing can support recycling programmes and waste-to-energy initiatives capable of generating employment while reducing pollution.
“The Ministry of Environment is working tirelessly, but we cannot do it alone. We must bring on board stakeholders, international partners and civil society organisations. A holistic approach is essential to tackling marine pollution and ensuring our waterways remain free of plastic waste and other pollutants,” she explained.
Also speaking, Clem Ugorji, Regional Coordinator for Africa at PROTEGO, said the policy brief emerged after more than a year of engagement with the ministry and stakeholders to examine policy, regulatory and institutional gaps in Nigeria’s marine litter prevention efforts.
He said studies conducted across identified hotspots exposed weaknesses in waste management systems and institutional frameworks, warning that Nigeria loses an estimated $1 billion annually due to disruptions caused by marine litter and poor waste management.
Ugorji noted that the situation underscored the need for stronger regulations, sustainable financing and preventive action.
