The Maritime Reporters’ Association of Nigeria (MARAN) has raised concerns over unbridled environmental pollution currently happening at the Tin Can Island and Apapa Ports axis in Lagos.
The association linked the worrisome situation to the hazardous emissions from industries and petroleum tank farms situated along the seaports’ corridor.
In a statement by the association’s President, Godfrey Bivbiere, the group described the situation as dangerous to human habitation.
MARAN specifically expressed worry about the operations of industrial giants within the Port environment such as Flour Mills Nigeria Plc, the Dangote Group, Olem Agric, BUA Foods, and Honeywell Flour Mills whose gaseous and solid wastes are constituting air pollution in the ports’ area, saying government must address the situation to save the workers and residents from avoidable ailments.
The group highlighted what it described as “increasingly hazardous working conditions” linked to airborne particles believed to originate from flour and other processing activities of the industrial giants and their allies.
The association further noted that these conditions appear to be affecting port users, workers, journalists, and security personnel operating in the area who are currently battling for health.
According to MARAN, individuals who frequent the corridor report symptoms such as eye irritation, coughing, and respiratory discomfort, saying there was the need for urgent intervention by relevant regulatory bodies to assess the situation and ensure compliance with environmental safety standards.
“The Apapa and Tin-can port corridors are a vital national asset and must be maintained to the highest environmental and health standards,” the statement read.
“We are observing a significant presence of airborne dust, which raises concerns about long-term health implications and infrastructure degradation.”
The association further called on the Federal Ministry of Environment and the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) to conduct an independent air quality assessment in the area and compare its findings with World Health Organization (WHO) standard guidelines.
The journalists also recommended the deployment of mobile medical clinics to support workers who may be experiencing health issues related to prolonged exposure to the hazardous situation.
It further urged companies operating in the area to review their environmental management practices and align with international best practices, including the use of enclosed silos and dust extraction systems.
The group maintained that such recommendations are based on global standards for industrial hygiene aimed at promoting safer and more sustainable working environment.
The association also expressed concern over the impact of dust accumulation on recently rehabilitated roads, warning that continued exposure could accelerate infrastructure deterioration and undermine public investments.
As the watchdogs of the sector, MARAN reaffirmed its commitment to constructive engagement and public advocacy, stating that it will continue to monitor developments and collaborate with stakeholders to ensure that the Apapa and Tin Can corridors remain safe, efficient, and environmentally compliant.
The government, it said, must be held accountable for ensuring that the peoples health is prioritized and and not abandoned to the vagaries of profit seeking industrial concerns and their cronies.
