NIMASA threatens vessel detention violators of 30-day compliance ultimatum

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has issued a 30-day ultimatum to vessels, shipping companies, and offshore operators in the country’s waters, warning that failure to comply with maritime laws by February 4, 2026, will attract vessel detention, monetary fines, and denial of port clearance.

The enforcement campaign, “Operation Zero Tolerance for Non-Compliance,” begins January 5, 2026, and targets non-compliance across vessel registration, cabotage provisions, statutory certifications, and timely payment of levies, signaling a decisive regulatory crackdown across Nigeria’s maritime domain.

According to a statement issued by NIMASA’s Head of Public Relations, Osagie Edward, said: “The directive was issued through a Marine Notice, pursuant to the Agency’s statutory mandate under the NIMASA Act 2007, the Coastal and Inland Shipping (Cabotage) Act 2003, the Merchant Shipping Act 2007, and other applicable regulations.”

The compliance drive covers a wide range of stakeholders, including ship and vessel owners, operators, managers, shipping companies, shipping agents, charterers, masters and officers of merchant vessels, international and national oil companies, offshore installation operators, and Free Trade Zone (FTZ) vessel operators, among others, whether currently operating or intending to operate in Nigerian waters.

Key areas of focus include proper vessel registration, validity of statutory certificates, accuracy of ownership documentation, and strict adherence to cabotage requirements, including vessel ownership, registration, manning, and local build obligations. The agency also emphasised the need for timely payment and remittance of all statutory levies and fees as prescribed by law.

As part of the operational rollout, NIMASA 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 point to present proof of payment for all applicable levies and charges.

“To allow stakeholders the opportunity to regularise their operations, NIMASA has granted a thirty-day window from January 5, 2026, for a self-audit and voluntary compliance,” the agency said.

The agency warned that failure to comply after the grace period will trigger enforcement measures, including vessel detention, monetary penalties, 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 operation aligns with the agency’s broader mandate to strengthen indigenous shipping capacity, improve maritime safety and security, protect the marine environment, and ensure sustainable use of Nigeria’s maritime resources.

“We therefore urge all stakeholders to do their part so that together, we can build on the gains of previous regulatory achievements, which is enhanced safety, a secure maritime environment and sustainable utilisation of our marine resources,” Mobereola added.

The enforcement drive is expected to reshape compliance behaviour across Nigeria’s shipping and offshore sectors, with implications for operational costs, vessel readiness, and regulatory risk management in the months ahead.