The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency has issued a 30-day ultimatum to vessels, shipping companies and offshore operators operating in Nigerian waters, warning that non-compliance with maritime regulations by February 4, 2026, will attract strict enforcement actions.
The directive, announced under an enforcement campaign tagged “Operation Zero Tolerance for Non-Compliance,” takes effect from January 5, 2026. It targets breaches related to vessel registration, cabotage provisions, statutory certifications and the payment of mandatory levies, marking a renewed regulatory crackdown across the country’s maritime space.
In a statement, the agency said the directive was conveyed through a Marine Notice in line with its statutory powers under the NIMASA Act 2007, the Coastal and Inland Shipping (Cabotage) Act 2003, the Merchant Shipping Act 2007 and other relevant regulations.
The compliance drive applies broadly across the maritime value chain, covering ship and vessel owners, operators, managers, shipping companies and agents, charterers, masters and officers of merchant vessels, as well as international and national oil companies, offshore installation operators, and Free Trade Zone vessel operators, whether currently active or planning to operate in Nigerian waters.
NIMASA said enforcement will focus on proper vessel registration, validity of statutory certificates, accuracy of ownership documentation, and full adherence to cabotage requirements, including vessel ownership, registration, manning, and local build obligations. The agency also stressed the importance of timely payment and remittance of all statutory levies and fees as required by law.
As part of the operation, the agency plans to carry out random and targeted vessel inspections, verify documentation against internal databases, and conduct physical and documentary compliance checks at ports, terminals, and offshore locations. Operators may be required at any time to present evidence of payment for all applicable charges and levies.
To give stakeholders room to regularise their operations, NIMASA has provided a 30-day grace period from January 5, 2026, for self-audit and voluntary compliance. The agency warned that failure to comply after the deadline will result in enforcement measures, including vessel detention, monetary fines, withdrawal of waivers or operational licences, and denial of port clearance until full compliance is achieved.
The Director-General of NIMASA said the initiative aligns with the agency’s mandate to strengthen indigenous shipping capacity, enhance maritime safety and security, protect the marine environment, and ensure the sustainable use of Nigeria’s maritime resources.
