Joyce Mmereole OkoliThe Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has kicked off a sweeping enforcement campaign aimed at tightening compliance with maritime laws and restoring operational discipline across the nation’s waters.
The new initiative, code-named “Operation Zero Tolerance for Non-Compliance,” was announced through a Marine Notice issued pursuant to the NIMASA Act 2007, the Coastal and Inland Shipping (Cabotage) Act 2003, the Merchant Shipping Act 2007, and other relevant regulations.
According to the Agency, the operation targets all actors in the maritime sector including ship and vessel owners, operators, managers, international and national oil companies, masters and officers of merchant ships, shipping firms, agents, charterers, offshore installation operators, Free Trade Zone vessel operators, and all other stakeholders conducting business in Nigerian waters.
Under the directive, stakeholders must ensure full compliance with statutory requirements, including:
• Proper vessel registration
• Valid and up-to-date certifications
• Accurate vessel ownership documentation
• Strict adherence to Cabotage provisions on ownership, registration, manning, and build
• Timely payment and remittance of all applicable maritime levies and fees
NIMASA stated that enforcement teams will embark on random and targeted inspections, documentary verifications, and physical compliance assessments at ports, terminals, offshore platforms, and Free Trade Zones. Operators will also be required to provide proof of payment for all statutory fees upon request.
To enable operators regularize their documentation and processes, the Agency has approved a 30-day self-audit and voluntary compliance window, effective January 5, 2026.
After the grace period, NIMASA warned that defaulting operators will face stiff sanctions, including vessel detention, monetary penalties, withdrawal of waivers or operational licences, and denial of port clearance.
Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, reaffirmed the Agency’s unwavering commitment to marine safety, security, environmental protection, and the growth of indigenous shipping.
“We urge all stakeholders to do their part so that together, we can consolidate the gains of past regulatory interventions, enhanced safety, a secure maritime domain, and the sustainable utilization of our marine resources,” Dr. Mobereola said.
NIMASA emphasized that the objective of the operation is not punitive but to strengthen lawful conduct, industry discipline, and overall maritime governance.