The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has issued a stern warning to all maritime operators, declaring a 30-day grace period for compliance with statutory regulations. The agency has launched a special enforcement drive, codenamed 'Operation Zero Tolerance for Non-Compliance,' to ensure full adherence to the nation's maritime laws.
Strict Directives for All Maritime Stakeholders
In a marine notice issued pursuant to its enabling laws, NIMASA directed all entities operating within Nigeria's maritime domain to ensure full compliance with key requirements. These include proper vessel registration, possession of valid certifications, updated ownership documentation, and adherence to cabotage provisions which promote indigenous shipping.
The directive mandates the timely payment and remittance of all statutory levies and fees, with operators required to present proof of payment upon request by the agency. The notice targets a wide range of stakeholders, including:
- Ship and vessel owners, operators, and managers.
- International and national oil companies (IOCs and NOCs).
- Masters and officers of merchant ships and shipping companies.
- Shipping agents, charterers, and offshore installation operators.
- Operators within Free Trade Zones (FTZ).
30-Day Window for Self-Audit and Compliance
To allow operators the opportunity to regularise their documents and processes, NIMASA has granted a 30-day window for self-audit and voluntary compliance, effective from January 5, 2026. During this period, stakeholders are expected to review their operations against the requirements of the NIMASA Act 2007, the Coastal and Inland Shipping (Cabotage) Act 2003, the Merchant Shipping Act 2007, and other applicable regulations.
Following the grace period, the agency will commence aggressive enforcement actions. Dr. Dayo Mobereola, the Director-General of NIMASA, stated that the agency will conduct random and targeted vessel inspections, verify documentation against its databases, and carry out physical and documentary compliance assessments at ports, terminals, and offshore locations.
Severe Penalties Await Defaulters
Dr. Mobereola warned that failure to comply after the expiration of the grace period will attract severe enforcement actions. Potential penalties for non-compliant operators include:
- Detention of vessels.
- Monetary penalties and fines.
- Withdrawal of waivers or operational licences.
- Denial of port clearance until full compliance is achieved.
The DG reiterated the agency's commitment to its core mandates of promoting indigenous shipping, enhancing maritime safety and security, and protecting the marine environment. This enforcement push is seen as a major step towards sanitising the maritime sector and ensuring all players operate on a level playing field according to Nigerian law.
