Women in maritime seek legal framework against water pollution

Women in the maritime sector and other experts at the ongoing Lagos International Maritime Week have called on governments and regulatory authorities for result-oriented approach to address the issues of water pollution, including legislation on chain-return process for manufacturers of non-degradable wastes.

Speaking on the theme, “Marpol at 50: Pollution From Ships, Africa’s Commitment To Clean Oceans, Seas, Inland Waters & Marine Environment,” President of Women in Maritime Nigeria (WIMA Nigeria), Mrs. Rawlings Macfoy, said that pollutions that happen in the seas (from vessels) have quite a lot of damaging effect, they are quite minimal.

She added that domestic wastes, including all plastics and every other non-degradable waste that is not properly disposed, find their ways into the waters, thereby destroying aquatic life and also endangering water transportation.

According to her, even Lagos State lacks appropriate dumpsites and recycling facilities, among others.

Therefore, she called for the involvement of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) in the control of water pollution. She further called for appropriate legislation which will require the manufacturers of plastic containers, among others, as well as those seeking license to operate same to have a chain- return process that will ensure that their wastes return to them for recycling or appropriate disposal.

Also speaking in the same vein, the President of Women in International Shipping and Trading Association (WINSTA), Mrs. Eunice Ezeoke, listed the activities of drilling companies as major contributors to water pollution.

On the recent practice of burning vessels seized on allegation of conveying stolen crude, Justice Olayinka Faji of the Federal High Court agreed that it was a part of avoidable water pollution.

However, Justice Faji, who represented the President, Federal High Court, Justice Tsoho, stated that though he does not have the terms under which the vessels were burnt, the laws have sufficient provisions, including forfeiture, for such breaches.

Meanwhile, the women in maritime associations have called for better recognition and appointment to enable them effect the necessary changes that will bring about positive developments in the industry.