Dr. Dayo Mobereola
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has issued a stern directive to all vessels operating within Nigerian waters: comply fully with the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) Annex VI—or face consequences.
MARPOL Annex VI, already domesticated under the Merchant Shipping Act of 2007, sets strict global standards for curbing air pollution from ships. By enforcing it, Nigeria is strengthening its position in the global fight against marine and atmospheric pollution.
Reaffirming the Agency’s stance, the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, declared that protecting Nigeria’s marine environment remains a top priority. He stressed that adherence to the convention is not optional, but a binding obligation on every shipowner, charterer, and shipping company.
“In line with our statutory mandate under the NIMASA Act 2007 and the Merchant Shipping Act 2007, we have issued a Marine Notice to guide industry players on their obligations. We welcome business in Nigeria’s shipping sector, but international safety and environmental standards cannot—and will not—be compromised,” Dr. Mobereola stated.
NIMASA further announced that it is intensifying its monitoring and enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance. The Agency also pledged to deepen collaboration with industry stakeholders to uphold Nigeria’s international environmental commitments.
With this directive, Nigeria signals a clear message to the maritime world: its waters will no longer be safe haven for polluting vessels.
ADVERTISEMENTS:
2025-08-21
