Hazardous Waste Found on Lagos Coast Raises Alarm

Hazardous waste, specifically lead batteries, was discovered along the shoreline of Atican Beach in Lekki, Lagos, during a cleanup exercise organized by the Nigerian Marine Environment Protection Association (NIMEPA). Approximately 100 kilograms of solid waste were collected, which included plastic sachets, styrofoam, bottles, and cigarette butts, underscoring the severe pollution along the coastline.

Comfort Ekp, the Executive Secretary of NIMEPA, expressed alarm over the presence of hazardous materials, emphasizing the potential disruption to marine ecosystems and the contamination of aquatic species. Festu Omotoyinbo, Managing Director of Apapa Bulk Terminal, noted that marine pollution ultimately affects human populations.

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) estimates that 11 million tons of plastic waste enter the ocean annually, with Nigeria contributing approximately 2.5 million tons each year, a significant portion of which is mismanaged. Sundai Ngige, head of Flour Mill Nigeria, highlighted the absence of waste disposal facilities on beaches and the need for public awareness and regular cleanup efforts to combat coastal pollution.