Daud Olatunji
For fishermen like Tunde Adebayo, who has spent over two decades fishing off the Lagos coastline, the effects of marine pollution are devastating.
“Years ago, our nets were full of fish; now, we catch more plastics than fish,” he lamented. “It’s affecting our income and putting our future at risk.”
Similarly, beach tourism, a significant contributor to Lagos’ economy, is taking a hit. Tourists and visitors complain about the unsightly litter and the foul smell emanating from polluted waters. Beach resort operators in areas like Ilashe and Epe have reported declining patronage, further straining the hospitality industry.
Investigation by PLATFORM TIMES has shown that the coastal waters of Lagos have become a repository for tons of plastic waste, a problem compounded by poor waste management, industrial activities, and a growing population.
Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial hub is facing a crisis threatening it’s marine life, the livelihoods of coastal communities, and the environment at large. No thanks to plastic pollution.
Marine pollution in Lagos is a multifaceted problem that demands collective action from individuals, businesses, and the government.
Verifiable data states that Lagos State generates approximately 13,000 tons of waste daily, with a significant portion being plastic.
PLATFORM TIMES gathered that unfortunately, only a fraction of this waste is recycled.
According to data from the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), over 30% of the waste ends up in water bodies, choking marine ecosystems
…. Lagos Marine Ecosystem
Recent information revealed that Lagos has some.marine ecosystem such as Lagos Lagoon, Atlantic Ocean, Epe Lagoon, Mangroves, wetlands among others.
The Lagos Lagoon,a brackish water body that is connected to the Atlantic Ocean through the Lagos Harbor. It is home to various species of fish, crabs, and shrimps, as well as mangroves that support biodiversity.
PLATFORM TIMES reports that Lagos Lagoon plays a role in local fisheries and water transport.
For Atlantic Ocean (Lagos Coastline), it feature sandy beaches and marine waters and it supports larger marine organisms such as pelagic fish (e.g., tuna and mackerel), dolphins, and sea turtles. Like Lagos Lagoon, it provides opportunities for fishing, tourism, and shipping.
PLATFORM TIMES’s investigation revealed that Epe Lagoon, located northeast of Lagos Lagoon, connects to the marine ecosystem through channels.
Further findings showed that Epe Lagoon is rich in aquatic vegetation and fish species, supporting artisanal fishing.
Found along the estuaries and coastal areas were Mangroves. These mangroves, according to the findings, act as breeding grounds for fish, crabs, and mollusks and also serve as a natural barrier against coastal erosion and flooding.
Lagos Wetlands Include marshes and swamps adjacent to the lagoons and coast and provide habitats for various bird species, amphibians, and reptiles.
Part of the Marine Ecosystem in Lagos was marine Biodiversity which includes various species of crustaceans, mollusks, and fish such as croakers, snappers, and catfish.Dolphins and whales are occasionally sighted offshore.
The marine ecosystem supports many coastal fishing communities in Lagos, such as Makoko, Ilaje, and Tarkwa Bay.These communities depend on the ecosystem for livelihoods and sustenance.
… Threats Of Plastic Waste
A walk along Elegushi, Tarkwa Bay, or Lekki Beach reveals heaps of plastic bottles, nylon bags, and other debris washed ashore.
Experts have warned that if this trend continues, Lagos’ marine biodiversity may face irreversible damage.
… Lagos Faces Rising Plastic Waste Crisis – NIOMR 2024 Report
A 2024 report by the Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research (NIOMR) revealed that plastic pollution has disrupted breeding patterns of fish species, reduced aquatic biodiversity, and led to economic losses for local fishermen.
The report highlighted the alarming rise in plastic waste pollution in Lagos, posing severe threats to marine ecosystems, public health, and economic activities.
According to the report, Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial hub and a city of over 24 million residents, generates an estimated 2.5 million tons of plastic waste annually, with less than 15% of this waste properly recycled.
The remaining plastic ends up in landfills, waterways, and the ocean, leading to significant environmental challenges.
… Marine Ecosystem at Risk
The NIOMR report reveals that Lagos’ waterways and coastal areas are increasingly clogged with plastics, threatening marine biodiversity.
It estimates that over 200,000 tons of plastic debris enter the Lagos Lagoon and adjoining ocean annually, endangering fish species and other aquatic life.
The plastic debris often breaks down into microplastics, which are ingested by marine organisms and eventually enter the human food chain.
… Economic and Public Health Concerns
The report also underscores the economic toll of plastic pollution. The fishing industry in Lagos, which sustains thousands of livelihoods, is severely affected by declining fish populations and the contamination of marine habitats.
In addition, clogged drainage systems, exacerbated by plastic waste, contribute to recurrent flooding, leading to infrastructural damage and economic losses.
The study links plastic pollution to the proliferation of mosquito-breeding sites, increasing the prevalence of malaria and other waterborne diseases.
Furthermore, toxins released from burning plastics pose long-term health risks to residents in affected areas.
… Challenges Of Inefficient Waste Management Systems
NIOMR attributes the worsening plastic pollution in Lagos to the ineffectiveness of waste management systems.
Despite various government initiatives, the city’s waste collection and recycling infrastructure remains inadequate, with many residents relying on informal disposal methods.
… Role of Policy and Enforcement
PLATFORM TIMES observed that despite several initiatives by the Lagos State government, including the Cleaner Lagos Initiative and public awareness campaigns, enforcement remains weak.
It was also observed that the plastic bag bans, though in place, are largely ignored, and recycling infrastructure is inadequate.
Sharing his opinions, environmental activist Dr. Bimpe Adeoye of the Nigeria Environmental Action Group believes the government must take stronger action.
“We need stricter enforcement of waste management laws and incentives for recycling industries,” she said. “Lagos cannot afford to lose its marine resources to plastic waste.”
PLATFORM TIMES reports that while challenges persist, there are rays of hope. Startups like Wecyclers and organizations like the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) are leading recycling and cleanup efforts.
It was gathered that Wecyclers has adopted a model that rewards households for recycling plastic waste, encouraging community participation.
In 2023, the Lagos State government partnered with private firms to install floating barriers in key waterways to trap plastic waste. These barriers, modeled after successful initiatives in Indonesia, have already reduced waste inflow into the Atlantic Ocean.
Marine biologist Professor Adekunle Olaniyi suggests adopting a circular economy approach.
“Recycling alone is not enough; we need to rethink how we produce and consume plastics,” he explained. “Promoting alternatives like biodegradable materials is key to solving this crisis.”
Local communities also play a vital role. Coastal community leader Mama Ngozi has mobilized women in her area to collect and sell recyclable plastics, generating income while keeping the waters clean.
“We understand the value of a clean environment for our children and businesses,” she said.
Other experts who spoke on the threats of plastic to the ecosystem advised strengthening waste management systems to improve collection, segregation, and recycling.
They also suggest implementing stricter regulations on plastic production and usage, including a ban on single-use plastics.
The experts also recommend raising public awareness about the dangers of plastic pollution and encouraging community participation in waste reduction efforts.
They called for partnering with private sectors to invest in sustainable recycling technologies and initiatives.
… Lagos Govt. Moves To Regulate Pollution of Ecosystem
The Lagos State government has been actively working to combat water pollution caused by plastic waste through several initiatives through Recycling Initiatives and Waste Management Policies , Plastic Buy-Back Programmes, Community Awareness Campaigns, Legislation and Enforcement, Innovative Cleanup Projects, Partnerships and Research and Support for Green Startups.
PLATFORM TIMES reports that the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has implemented programs to encourage waste segregation at source, making it easier to recycle plastics.
On the Plastic Buy-Back Programmes, the government has come up with Introduction of plastic exchange programmes, where residents can trade plastic waste for incentives, encouraging community participation in recycling.
On the community awareness campaigns, the government has Launched public sensitization campaigns about the dangers of plastic pollution to marine life and human health.
The government also came up with legislation and enforcement by restricting the indiscriminate dumping of plastics into canals, rivers, and drainage systems.
The government introduced Innovative Cleanup Projects by organizing regular cleanup exercises along beaches and waterways to remove accumulated plastic waste.
The government also launched the idea of deployment of waste-collection boats and technologies to target floating plastic in Lagos waters.
PLATFORM TIMES reports that these efforts reflect Lagos State’s commitment to addressing the environmental challenges posed by plastic waste, protecting marine ecosystems, and promoting sustainable urban development.
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