The Shipping Correspondents Association of Nigeria (SCAN) is set to tackle the issues relating to marine debris in the country’s territorial waters.
SCAN through its 2025 summit, aimed at bringing together maritime experts and other stakeholders to brainstorm on the way forward.
The event is slated for Thursday, June 26, 2025, at Rockview Hotel, Apapa, Lagos.
This year’s theme, “Marine Debris: The Danger Ahead,” according to SCAN, highlights the urgent need to address the crisis of marine debris and its burgeoning threat to the maritime industry, marine ecosystems, and coastal communities.
The summit will gather industry leaders, environmental experts, policymakers, and stakeholders from across the sector to explore the multifaceted challenges posed by marine debris, said Mr. Moses Ebosele, SCAN President in a statement.
“With studies indicating that millions of tons of plastic waste enter our oceans annually, the implications for marine life, human health, and economic stability are dire. This summit aims to facilitate dialogue, share knowledge, and build collaborative strategies to combat marine pollution effectively,” Ebosele added.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, is the special guest of honour, while the President, National Association of Master Mariners, Capt. Tajudeen Alao is the guest speaker.
Other guests of honour expected to grace the event are; Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, Director-General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, Executive Secretary/CEO, Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Dr. Pius Akutah and the Managing Director, National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, among others.
Ebosele added that as an association dedicated to promoting sustainable practices within Nigeria’s maritime sector, SCAN is committed to raising awareness about the challenges posed by marine debris.
He said: “The growing prevalence of marine debris is not just an environmental issue; it is a socioeconomic threat that can undermine the very foundations of our maritime industry and coastal communities. Through this summit, we seek to unite all stakeholders in addressing this challenge head-on.”
Ebosele invites government representatives, industry stakeholders, and environmental advocates to participate in the summit, saying, together, we can devise comprehensive strategies to combat marine debris and ensure a safer, cleaner marine environment for future generations.
SCAN is a professional association dedicated to promoting the interests and professionalism of journalists covering the maritime industry in Nigeria. SCAN fosters collaboration, advocates for sustainable shipping practices, and enhances the flow of information within the maritime sector to support informed reporting and industry development.
