The Nigeria Marine Coastguard Volunteer Service (NMCGVS) has issued a stern warning over the escalating environmental and economic threats posed by submerged shipwrecks and marine litter across Nigerian waterways. According to the agency, the situation has reached critical levels in coastal zones, particularly in commercial hubs such as Ebute-Ero, where wrecks hidden below the water’s surface now endanger public health, marine biodiversity, and the nation’s maritime economy.
Speaking exclusively to journalists, the Chief Commanding Officer of NMCGVS, Captain Isaac Adamolekun, described the submerged wreckage as a “ticking time bomb” in the heart of Nigeria’s aquatic corridors. He warned that the ongoing rainy season is exacerbating the problem, as rising water levels conceal these hazards more effectively, thereby increasing the risk of marine accidents and environmental degradation.
“These submerged wrecks release toxic substances—oil, chemicals, and other hazardous materials—that not only degrade our water quality but also threaten marine life and public health,” Adamolekun explained.
One of the most alarming concerns, according to NMCGVS Captain Adamolekun, is the physical hazard these wrecks pose to boat operators and water transport systems. Often hidden just below the surface, these sunken structures are responsible for increased marine accidents, vessel damage, and disruptions in transport logistics.
Beyond the physical threats, the wrecks and accompanying debris have far-reaching ecological consequences. NMCGVS Adamolekun noted that the pollutants from rusting metal, fuel residues, and plastic waste significantly reduce oxygen levels in the water, creating “dead zones” where aquatic life cannot survive.
He added that marine litter, especially plastic waste and abandoned fishing gear, poses a direct threat to marine animals, often leading to suffocation, entanglement, and death. Plastics ingested by fish and other species cause internal injuries and starvation—an issue that also jeopardizes food safety for human consumers.
“The danger does not end in the water. Toxins from contaminated seafood can make their way onto our plates, raising serious health concerns for millions of Nigerians who depend on fish as a primary protein source,” he stressed.
Captain Adamolekun emphasized that the consequences of marine pollution are not merely ecological—they are deeply economic. Submerged wrecks obstruct transport channels and compromise the functionality of key ports and inland waterways, undermining national trade efforts and logistics operations.
Moreover, the unsightly condition of Nigeria’s coastal zones poses a challenge to the tourism sector, deterring leisure boating, fishing expeditions, and marine-related businesses. According to him, polluted and dangerous waterways decrease the value of waterfront properties and repel investments in coastal development.
“It’s not just about boats hitting wrecks—it’s about livelihoods,” Adamolekun stated. “From fishermen to ferry operators, entire communities are at risk of economic displacement.”
In light of the severity of the threat, the Coastguard Chief is urging urgent intervention from all levels of government, regulatory agencies, environmental organisations, and maritime stakeholders. He called for an immediate audit of known submerged wrecks, proper mapping of affected zones, and a coordinated cleanup campaign to restore the integrity of Nigeria’s waterways.
Adamolekun also advocated for stricter enforcement of marine dumping regulations, increased investment in wreck removal technology, and public awareness campaigns to encourage responsible marine waste disposal.
“We need a multi-sectoral response. Cleaning up our waterways is not a luxury—it’s a necessity for environmental safety, public health, and national economic resilience,” he concluded.
Nigeria, with over 850 kilometers of coastline and an extensive network of inland waterways, relies heavily on its marine infrastructure for trade, transport, and livelihood. According to data from the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), over 200 wrecks are estimated to litter key shipping routes in Lagos and the Niger Delta region alone.
In 2023, the Federal Government initiated a limited wreck removal campaign, but experts say the effort was underfunded and lacked coordination. Environmental groups, including the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), have since urged the government to declare a marine emergency and integrate cleanup efforts into the country’s broader climate and environmental strategy.
As maritime activities continue to expand under President Bola Tinubu’s economic diversification agenda, stakeholders say safeguarding Nigeria’s waterways must remain a top policy priority.