Maritime experts, policymakers, and environmental stakeholders have emphasized the critical role of satellite technology in addressing marine pollution, oil spill detection, biodiversity conservation, and ensuring sustainable shipping across Africa.
At the opening of a three-day workshop in Lagos themed “Leveraging Earth Observation (EO) for Oil Spill, Transshipment and Ship Detection,” participants highlighted the urgent need for robust local, national, and regional frameworks to monitor and mitigate oil pollution and marine waste. They called for enhanced collaboration, innovation, and stricter enforcement of environmental laws to preserve Africa’s maritime ecosystems.
The workshop, organized by the Nigerian Institute of Oceanography and Marine Research (NIOMR) in partnership with Marine and Coastal Areas Management for West and Central Africa (MarCNoWA) and Global Monitoring for Environment and Security (GMES) in Africa, gathered experts to discuss sustainable solutions for safeguarding Africa’s marine environment.
Speaking at the event, Captain Tajudeen Alao, President of the Nigerian Association of Master Mariners (NAMM), highlighted the precision of Earth Observation (EO) satellite technology in addressing environmental challenges. He explained that EO satellites enable accurate mapping of oil spills and pollution movements, facilitating swift response and containment.
“Satellites provide unmatched accuracy compared to human or drone surveillance. They are indispensable tools for environmental protection and sustainable shipping,” Alao stated. He further stressed the economic and ecological impacts of oil spills, including damage to fisheries, marine ecosystems, and coastal communities.
Drawing comparisons to Ghana’s proactive policies, Alao urged Nigeria to adopt stricter measures such as heavy fines and license revocations for polluters. “Polluters must pay. The cost of cleaning up pollution is enormous. International mechanisms like the IMO and the IOPC fund should be leveraged to support cleanup efforts and compensate affected communities,” he added.
Prof. Sandow Yidana, Provost of the College of Basic and Applied Science at the University of Ghana, shared insights into Ghana’s stringent environmental policies, where companies are required to sign environmental protection agreements before commencing operations. He noted that violations attract multimillion-dollar sanctions or license revocations, a strategy inspired by lessons learned from Nigeria’s Niger Delta.
“Satellite technology enables real-time mapping and tracking of oil spills and marine pollution. Nigeria can enhance accountability and transparency by adopting similar measures,” Yidana said, also praising Ghana’s active civil society and media in holding stakeholders accountable.
Prof. Sule Abiodun, Executive Director of NIOMR, called for regional cooperation and investment in advanced technologies to safeguard Nigeria’s marine environment. He underscored the risks posed by oil production and maritime activities and advocated for a comprehensive national contingency plan to address environmental hazards.
