The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has commenced a special enforcement initiative tagged “Operation Zero Tolerance for Non-Compliance”, aimed at ensuring strict adherence to maritime laws and regulations within Nigeria’s maritime domain.
The operation, announced through a Marine Notice, is anchored on NIMASA’s statutory powers as provided under the NIMASA Act 2007, the Coastal and Inland Shipping (Cabotage) Act 2003, the Merchant Shipping Act 2007, and other relevant regulations.
Under the directive, all ship and vessel owners, operators, managers, shipping companies and agents, charterers, international and national oil companies, masters and officers of merchant vessels, offshore installation and platform operators, Free Trade Zone (FTZ) vessel operators, and other maritime stakeholders operating in Nigerian waters are required to fully comply with all statutory obligations.
These requirements include proper vessel registration, possession of valid statutory certifications, updated ownership documentation, and strict compliance with Cabotage provisions relating to vessel ownership, registration, manning, and construction. The notice also stressed the mandatory and timely payment of all statutory levies and fees as prescribed by law.
As part of the enforcement strategy, NIMASA will conduct both random and targeted vessel inspections, cross-check ship documentation with its databases, and carry out physical and documentary compliance assessments at ports, terminals, and offshore locations. Operators are expected to present evidence of payment of all applicable levies and fees upon demand.
To allow stakeholders adequate time to regularize their operations, the Agency has granted a 30-day grace period, effective from January 5, 2026, for self-audit and voluntary compliance.
NIMASA, however, warned that failure to comply after the expiration of the grace period would attract strict enforcement measures, including vessel detention, financial penalties, withdrawal of waivers or operational licences, and denial of port clearance until full compliance is achieved.
The Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, reassured stakeholders of the Agency’s commitment to promoting indigenous shipping development, strengthening maritime safety and security, protecting the marine environment, and ensuring strict enforcement of Nigeria’s maritime laws.
He urged industry operators to cooperate with the initiative, noting that collective compliance would consolidate past regulatory gains and contribute to a safer, more secure, and sustainable maritime environment in Nigeria.
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