Shipwreck removal has become a multimillion dollar sector globally that offers significant economic advantages to marine nations. But that has not been the case for Nigeria, as the country has not yet fully tapped into the prosperous potential of wreck Recycling lying within its waters, despite having an abundance of marine resources. Over 200,000 tonnes of Steel are estimated to be stashed in abandoned shipwrecks in Nigeria’s coastline, making it a substantial but primary unexplored resource. If recycled, this steel could be valued at over ₦30 billion, which would significantly contribute to the country’s economy.
Even with this potential, the nation is yet to fully capitalize on the majority of the economically viable wreck removal and recycling sector, which is flourishing in other regions of the world. In addition to providing financial gains, this sector tackles important problems like environmental sustainability, unemployment, and marine safety. These wrecks present major navigational dangers as they can cause mishaps and harm to vessels, especially in busy shipping lanes. Other than safety, the clearance of these wrecks has the potential to alleviate the severe Unemployment problem by creating thousands of jobs, particularly for Nigeria’s youth.
Each vessel can yield thousands of tonnes of steel.
Marine experts have observed that Nigeria’s coastlines are home to a sizable number of abandoned and derelict vessels, especially in places like Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Warri. These vessels pose environmental risks and can also be possible raw materials for recycling. A large ship, like an oil tanker or cargo ship, can typically yield up to 95% of its recyclable materials, which include valuable metals like copper, aluminum, and steel. Each vessel can yield thousands of tonnes of steel through a formal ship recycling process, serving as a boost to the regional steel sector.
In 2021, Dr. Bashir Jamoh, the then Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), initiated the wreck removal and recycling industry in Nigeria after realizing these prospects. With the support of this project, a national effort to remove these lethal constraints and create a sustainable recycling sector that might greatly boost the Economic Growth of the country was launched. Jamoh further disclosed that NIMASA will send out a marine notice to owners of abandoned ships, warning them to take their ships out of Nigerian seas or face forfeiture if they fail to remove them in the time frame provided.
Interest in ship trash recycling has been growing.
However, development on the move has been sluggish despite these first moves. Inadequate investment, a lack of significant government commitment, and political barriers have prevented this industry’s full potential from being realized. Recently, Nigerian interest in ship trash recycling is growing, in part because of the financial and environmental advantages it provides. Derelict ships and other marine debris have accumulated in the country’s coastal regions, particularly in places like Lagos where there is a high volume of ship traffic. Currently, the country has very few official ship recycling procedures.
A large portion of ship wrecking operations are done unofficially and frequently in hazardous and environmentally damaging ways. There has been increasing recognition of the need to create sustainable ship recycling methods that meet global standards, like those established by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). The Nigerian government is looking into formalizing and regulating the recycling of ship trash, in collaboration with international organizations and the private sector. This involves building shipbreaking facilities specifically designed to manage hazardous materials securely and guarantee the effective recovery of recyclable components.
Related Article: Opportunities in Nigeria’s recycling economy
NIMASA is also engaging in discussions regarding developing a regulatory framework aimed to control ship recycling operations in a way that is more organized and ecologically friendly. To fully realize the industry’s potential, the government must take a comprehensive, leadership-led strategy that tackles present challenges while maximizing utilization of the nation’s abundant maritime resources. Nigeria could grow into a pioneer in marine safety and Economic Development by turning its Waterways from hazardous liabilities into valuable assets with the right management, investment, and political resolve.