-By Divine-Favour Efemena
It is a known fact that plastic and other waste threatening the shore are evidence of unsustainable human habit turning the waterways into another dump site. The accumulated litter over time has become a major challenge with direct and immediate effect for navigation. Recently, a report by World Economic Forum indicate by the year 2050 plastic in the ocean will outweigh fish if not mitigated.
Against this backdrop, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), an agency of government responsible for regulating activities around the coast line says it is ready to take its stand on pollution.
According to Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Peterside Dakuku, addressing the issue in a Forum said, “The issue of plastic in the sea and ocean has remain a global concern particularly following the increase awareness about low economy and its derivable benefits. The challenges of marine and plastic pollution are multiple and include threat to food security, threat to economic activities, navigational hazard, water safety, threat to ecosystem, harmful effect on marine life among others.”
The maritime regulatory agency is focusing on driving legislation, policy and enforcement to deal with the amount of plastic and other ways making their ways to the waters.
Thus, a senator is sponsoring a bill with regards to plastic pollution and proliferation of plastic across the country.
It is discovered that NIMASA is going to be spending billions of moneys to tidy the environment while some people will also be making billions of moneys to take away the plastic thereby contributing to the menace. To resolve the problem those benefitting from it must take responsibility.
Speaking on plastic pollution, Chairman Committee on Marine Safety, Education and Administration, Honourable Sharon Ikeazor, was of the view that, “Nigeria does not lack in laws or bills in legislation, we lack enforcement and we have to start enforcing if we are going to achieve the required result.”
As these players agree to work together in achieving cleaner ocean and seas, there is also hope to get the buying of public in driving an economy sustainable for growth. This is required for global standard.
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