The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency has commenced a special operational enforcement initiative code-named “Operation Zero Tolerance for Non-Compliance” across the Nigerian maritime domain.
The directive for the operation was issued through a Marine Notice, in line with the agency’s statutory mandate as provided under the NIMASA Act 2007, the Coastal and Inland Shipping (Cabotage) Act 2003, the Merchant Shipping Act 2007, as well as other relevant regulations governing maritime operations in Nigeria.
Under the new enforcement regime, all Ship and Vessel Owners, Operators and Managers, International and National Oil Companies, Masters and Officers of Merchant Ships, Shipping Companies, Shipping Agents, Charterers, Offshore Installations and Platforms Operators, Vessel Operators within the Free Trade Zones, and other maritime stakeholders operating or intending to operate in Nigerian waters are required to ensure full compliance with all statutory requirements.
According to a statement issued by the Deputy Director and Head of Public Relations at NIMASA, Osagie Edward, the compliance requirements include proper vessel registration, possession of valid certifications, updated ownership documentation, and strict adherence to Cabotage provisions relating to vessel ownership, registration, manning and vessel construction.
The Marine Notice also underscored the importance of timely payment and remittance of all statutory levies and fees as prescribed by applicable laws and regulations within the maritime sector.
As part of the enforcement process, the agency disclosed that it will carry out random and targeted vessel inspections, verify documentation against its internal databases, and conduct both physical and documentary compliance assessments at ports, terminals and offshore operational locations.
Operators, according to the notice, will also be required to present proof of payment of all applicable statutory levies and fees whenever such documents are requested by authorised NIMASA officials.
To give stakeholders the opportunity to regularise their operations, NIMASA announced the approval of a 30-day window beginning from January 5, 2026, during which operators are expected to conduct self-audits and voluntarily comply with all regulatory requirements.
The agency warned that failure to comply after the expiration of the grace period will attract strict enforcement measures, including vessel detention, imposition of monetary penalties, withdrawal of waivers or operational licences, and denial of port clearance until full compliance is achieved.
Meanwhile, the Director General of NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola, has assured stakeholders of the agency’s unwavering commitment to promoting indigenous shipping development, enhancing maritime safety and security, protecting the marine environment, and ensuring strict compliance with Nigeria’s maritime laws.
“We urge all stakeholders to do their part so that together, we can build on the gains of previous regulatory achievements, which is enhanced safety, a secure maritime environment and sustainable utilization of our marine resources”, the Director General stated.
