Stakeholders Call for Satellite Technology to Combat Marine Pollution

Oluchi Chibuzor

The Nigerian Institute For Oceanography And Marine Research and Marine and Coastal Areas Management for Both West and Central Africa (MarCNoWA) have called for the adoption of Earth Observation( EO) Satellite technologies in the management of oil pollution in the country.

For them, economic consequences of oil spills, impact on fisheries, marine ecosystems, and coastal communities can be averted through satellite technology.

This was stated at a workshop in Lagos themed, “Leveraging Earth Observation (EO) for Oil Spill, Transshipment, and Ship Detection.”

Speaking at the event, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola, said the workshop aims at enhancing stakeholders’ understanding of the environmental impact of oil pollution, oil spills, ship detection, as well as building capacity for monitoring and response towards mitigating the effects of oil activities in Nigeria. 

He said Nigeria being among the foremost major oil producers in the world, with a production capacity of approximately 1.1 to above 2 million barrels of crude oil per day at low and high premiums. 

According to him, “While this production can contribute significantly to the nation’s economy, it has also caused severe environmental challenges, such as oil spills, ship detection, transshipments, and marine pollution.

“Consequently, oil production and related activities has adversely impacted Nigeria’s coastal and marine environments. Hence, the need for a robust monitoring and rapid response system to mitigate the results of ecological damage.”

Speaking, the Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of NIOMR, Prof. Sule Abiodun, called for regional cooperation and investment in advanced technologies to safeguard Nigeria’s marine environment. 

He highlighted the risks posed by oil production and maritime activities, noting the need for a comprehensive national contingency plan.