DR. MOBEREOLA, DIRECTOR GENERAL OF NIMASA
BY GODWIN OBI
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has issued a 30-day compliance ultimatum to vessels, shipping companies, and offshore operators operating in Nigerian waters, warning that defaulters will face vessel detention, monetary penalties, and denial of port clearance after February 4, 2026.
The enforcement initiative, tagged “Operation Zero Tolerance for Non-Compliance,” commenced on January 5, 2026, marking a sweeping regulatory crackdown across Nigeria’s maritime domain. The operation targets violations related to vessel registration, cabotage provisions, statutory certifications, and the timely payment of statutory levies.
In a statement signed by NIMASA’s Head of Public Relations, Osagie Edward, the agency said the directive was conveyed through a Marine Notice issued pursuant to its statutory powers under the NIMASA Act 2007, Coastal and Inland Shipping (Cabotage) Act 2003, Merchant Shipping Act 2007, and other applicable regulations.
The compliance drive affects a broad spectrum of maritime stakeholders, including ship and vessel owners, operators, managers, shipping companies and agents, charterers, masters and officers of merchant vessels, international and indigenous oil companies, offshore installation operators, and Free Trade Zone (FTZ) vessel operators—whether currently operating or intending to operate in Nigerian waters.
Key areas of enforcement include proper vessel registration, validity of statutory certificates, accuracy of ownership documentation, and strict adherence to cabotage requirements such as vessel ownership, registration, manning, and local content obligations. NIMASA also emphasised full compliance with the payment and remittance of all statutory levies and fees as prescribed by law.
As part of the operation, the agency will conduct random and targeted vessel inspections, cross-check documentation against internal databases, and carry out physical and documentary compliance assessments at ports, terminals, and offshore locations. Operators may be required at any time to present evidence of payment for all applicable charges.
To enable stakeholders regularise their operations, NIMASA granted a 30-day grace period from January 5, 2026, during which operators are expected to conduct self-audits and achieve voluntary compliance.
However, the agency warned that failure to comply after the grace period will trigger strict enforcement actions, including vessel detention, monetary sanctions, withdrawal of waivers or operational licences, and denial of port clearance until full compliance is achieved.
NIMASA’s Director-General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, said the initiative aligns with the agency’s broader mandate to strengthen indigenous shipping capacity, enhance maritime safety and security, protect the marine environment, and ensure sustainable utilisation of Nigeria’s maritime resources.
“We urge all stakeholders to do their part so that together we can consolidate the gains of previous regulatory efforts—improved safety, a secure maritime environment, and sustainable use of our marine resources,” Mobereola said.
Industry watchers say the enforcement drive is expected to significantly reshape compliance culture across Nigeria’s shipping and offshore sectors, with far-reaching implications for operational costs, vessel readiness, and regulatory risk management in the months ahead.
ADVERTISEMENTS
