Nice, France — As world leaders gather in the coastal city of Nice, France, for the Third United Nations Ocean Conference, Managing Director of the Niger Delta Basin Development Authority (NDBDA), Hon. Prince Ebitimi Amgbare, has called for a robust global strategy to protect vulnerable marine ecosystems and resources, particularly in regions like Nigeria’s Niger Delta.
In a media chat in Abuja to commemorate the 2025 World Ocean Day, Hon. Amgbare expressed deep concern over the fragile state of marine ecosystems across Bayelsa, Delta, and Rivers States. He disclosed that the NDBDA is set to launch a “Waterways Sanitation Corps” initiative, a project aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), to tackle plastic pollution and promote climate resilience in the Niger Delta.
Amgbare commended France and Costa Rica, co-chairs of the 2025 conference, for spotlighting the escalating global ocean crisis. He warned that without urgent intervention, the cumulative effects of climate change, plastic pollution, marine resource depletion, and habitat loss could lead to irreversible damage to ocean health.
Citing the example of the Mediterranean coast of Nice—host of the 2025 conference—he noted that the Blue Economy has significantly contributed to economic growth and sustainable development through tourism, fisheries, maritime transport, and renewable marine energy. He urged Nigeria to replicate such models, emphasizing that “the ocean’s health is our health.”
“The ocean fuels our food systems, medical research, climate stability, and water cycle. Yet, it’s under assault. On this World Ocean Day, we raise the alarm: Protecting the ocean is protecting our future. The window for action is closing fast,” Amgbare said.
He stressed the importance of strengthening international legal instruments like the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the Marine Pollution (MARPOL) treaty. He also called for the regulation of riverine pollution, a key contributor to ocean plastic waste.
“Achieving the SDGs—particularly Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), Goal 13 (Climate Action), and Goal 14 (Life Below Water)—is crucial. Voluntary commitments and international cooperation must be encouraged to drive collective action for ocean conservation,” he added.
Amgbare advocated a collaborative governance model involving governments, industries, and civil society to tackle marine pollution. He stressed the need for stricter enforcement of environmental laws, continuous scientific research, and grassroots participation in environmental decision-making.
“Oceans and coastal zones are the lifeblood of our planet. They generate half of our oxygen, support 16% of global animal protein intake, and underpin countless economic and employment activities,” he emphasized.
As part of its long-term strategy, Amgbare revealed that the NDBDA plans to introduce ocean literacy programs across its catchment states to bridge the knowledge gap about marine ecosystems.
“Despite covering over 70% of our planet, we know more about distant planets than our own ocean depths. This hinders sustainable resource use and effective ecosystem protection,” he said.
Amgbare also announced a strategic partnership with Ms. Rita Solari Inko-Tariah, Nigeria’s UNESCO-IOC Ocean Ambassador and a leading global advocate for plastic pollution awareness. Inko-Tariah, the initiator of the “Zero Plastic World, Zero Plastic Ocean” campaign, is a key figure in the UN Ocean Decade initiative and a member of the EU4Ocean Coalition for Ocean Literacy.
“The NDBDA Waterways Sanitation Corps will complement her efforts by integrating plastic cleanup, climate advocacy, and marine conservation into a regional framework. Together, we aim to transform the Niger Delta’s waterways into clean, sustainable ecosystems,” Amgbare stated.
He concluded by reaffirming NDBDA’s commitment to the UN’s global marine agenda and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing that protecting Nigeria’s maritime environment is integral to national development and global sustainability.
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