The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has commenced a special enforcement exercise aimed at ensuring strict compliance with maritime laws and regulations across Nigerian waters.
The operation, code-named “Operation Zero Tolerance for Non-Compliance,” was announced through a Marine Notice issued in line with NIMASA’s statutory responsibilities under the NIMASA Act 2007, the Coastal and Inland Shipping (Cabotage) Act 2003, the Merchant Shipping Act 2007, and other relevant regulations.
Under the initiative, all ship and vessel owners, operators, managers, shipping companies, shipping agents, charterers, international and national oil companies, offshore installation and platform operators, as well as maritime stakeholders operating within Nigerian waters, are required to ensure full compliance with all statutory obligations.
These requirements include proper vessel registration, possession of valid certificates, updated ownership documentation, and strict adherence to Cabotage provisions on vessel ownership, registration, manning, and construction. Operators are also expected to ensure the timely payment and remittance of all statutory levies and fees as prescribed by law.
As part of the enforcement process, NIMASA will carry out random and targeted vessel inspections, verify documentation against its databases, and conduct physical and documentary compliance checks at ports, terminals, and offshore locations. Stakeholders will be required to present evidence of payment of all applicable levies and fees when requested.
To provide operators with the opportunity to regularise their operations, the Agency has granted a 30-day grace period, effective from January 5, 2026, during which stakeholders are expected to conduct self-audits and achieve voluntary compliance.
NIMASA warned that failure to comply after the expiration of the grace period will attract enforcement actions, 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, reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to indigenous shipping development, improved maritime safety and security, environmental protection, and strict enforcement of Nigeria’s maritime laws.
He urged stakeholders to support the initiative, noting that collective compliance would help sustain regulatory gains, enhance safety, secure the maritime domain, and ensure the sustainable use of Nigeria’s marine resources.
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