The Nigerian Atomic Energy Commission and Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency have concluded plans to jointly tackle marine pollutants.
A statement on Tuesday stated that the two government agencies would monitor and control marine pollutants considered to be inimical to seafood and marine habitat.
The Director-General, NIMASA, Mr. Ziakede Akpobolokemi , and the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission, Dr. Erepamo Osaisai, were said to have concluded plan to deploy resources for the prevention and mitigation of marine pollution.
Receiving the management team of the Nigerian Atomic Energy Commission on a working visit to the agency, Akpobolokemi lamented incessant marine pollution caused by oil exploration activities and garbage discharged from ships into Nigerian waters.
The NIMASA boss stressed the need for a multi-pronged approach towards the control of ships waste disposal and oil drilling units operating on Nigerian waters.
'The Agency is expanding capacity for marine research and investigation and atomic science solutions will be welcomed' Akpobolokemi said.
The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer , Nigerian Atomic Energy Commission, Dr. Erepamo Osaisai, requested necessary logistics support from NIMASA to promote the deployment of nuclear analytical techniques for marine pollution assessment.
Osaisai informed that the request to NIMASA was on account of the agency's mandate in respect of marine pollution and prevention, adding that the commission was collaborating with the Centre for Marine Pollution Monitoring, University of Port-Harcourt.
The NAEC boss said the commission had identified 'hot spots' of marine pollution incidents.
The Deputy Director/ Head, Public Relations, Mr. Isichie Osamgbi, said NIMASA was mandated to prevent and control marine pollution amongst other functions in line with relevant international regulatory instruments.
The agency, according to him, has in recent times encouraged inter-agency collaboration for the implementation of marine prevention and control policies.
