By Joy Enamuna
The Maritime Reporters’ Association of Nigeria (MARAN) has expressed serious concerns over worsening environmental and health conditions around key industrial zones in the Apapa and Tin Can Island corridors of Lagos.
In a statement released in Lagos, MARAN President, Godfrey Bivbere, warned of “increasingly hazardous working conditions” in the area, particularly near facilities operated by major companies such as Flour Mills Nigeria Plc, Dangote Group, Olam Agric, BUA Foods, and Honeywell Flour Mills.
According to the association, airborne particles believed to be linked to flour processing and industrial activities are contributing to declining air quality and posing health risks to individuals in the vicinity.
The group noted that port users, factory workers, security personnel, journalists, and other individuals operating in the corridor have reported symptoms including coughing, respiratory irritation, and eye discomfort.
“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.”
MARAN urged the Federal Ministry of Environment and the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) to immediately carry out an independent air quality assessment in the affected areas and benchmark the results against World Health Organization (WHO) safety standards.
The association also recommended the provision of mobile medical clinics to address health issues potentially linked to prolonged exposure to industrial dust.
Additionally, MARAN called on companies operating in the industrial zone to upgrade their environmental practices in line with international standards.
It specifically advocated for the adoption of enclosed silos, dust extraction systems, and other hygienic solutions to minimize emissions and protect both workers and nearby residents.
The group also flagged the impact of airborne dust on infrastructure, warning that particles accumulating on recently rehabilitated roads could contribute to faster deterioration and undermine public investments in the area.
Reaffirming its role in public advocacy, MARAN pledged to continue monitoring the situation and engaging with stakeholders to ensure that the Apapa and Tin Can port corridors remain safe, efficient, and compliant with environmental regulations.
Discover more from Trace News Magazine
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.