Togo parliament advances maritime pollution bills

Public Management

Monday, 18 May 2026 14:51

Togo parliament advances maritime pollution bills

(Togo First) - Togo's National Assembly passed two bills on Friday aimed at improving protection of the marine environment and strengthening the country's ability to respond to maritime pollution risks.

The bills, approved in a first reading on May 15, 2026, authorize Togo's accession to two international maritime pollution agreements.

The first concerns the 2000 Protocol on Preparedness, Response and Co-operation to Pollution Incidents by Hazardous and Noxious Substances (OPRC-HNS 2000). The second covers the 1992 International Convention on the Establishment of an International Fund for Compensation for Oil Pollution Damage (IOPC Fund).

Joining the OPRC-HNS Protocol will allow Togo to set up national emergency response systems under an international cooperation framework for major maritime pollution incidents. Ships flying the Togolese flag will notably be required to carry onboard oil pollution emergency plans and report incidents likely to cause spills at sea.

Accession to the 1992 IOPC Fund Convention will strengthen Togo's legal framework and give the country access to international compensation mechanisms for oil pollution damage. The fund helps finance environmental restoration and compensation for damage caused by marine pollution.

Maritime Affairs Minister Edem Kokou Tengué said the approval of the two bills reflects the government's commitment to protecting Togo's coastline, fishing communities and marine ecosystems.

He added that the move also demonstrates Togo's intention to strengthen regional cooperation against maritime pollution and bring the port of Lomé in line with international maritime standards.

The bills will now be reviewed by the Senate before returning to the National Assembly for final approval.

Esaïe Edoh

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