NIMASA Tightens Cabotage Enforcement, Threatens Ban On Non-compliant Vessels

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has intensified enforcement of the statutory requirements governing indigenous participation in Nigeria’s Cabotage trade, warning that non-compliant vessels could be barred from participating in coastal and inland shipping operations.

The Agency said the move is aimed at protecting jobs for Nigerians, strengthening indigenous capacity, and ensuring that operators fully comply with the Coastal and Inland Shipping (Cabotage) Act 2003 and other applicable maritime regulations.

The Deputy Director and Head of Public Relations, NIMASA, Osagie Edward, disclosed this in a Marine Notice issued pursuant to the Agency’s statutory mandate under the NIMASA Act 2007, the Cabotage Act, relevant regulations and implementing guidelines.

According to him, all persons and entities requiring vessels for Cabotage operations must deploy vessels that meet Nigeria’s statutory requirements for ownership, registration, manning, and construction.

He said such vessels must also be duly registered in the Special Register for Vessels and Ship Owning Companies Engaged in Cabotage.

Edward said NIMASA would also require vessels, owners, operators, charterers, managers and other stakeholders involved in Cabotage activities to maintain valid statutory certificates, licences, registrations and other prescribed documentation.

He explained that, where applicable, Cabotage vessels must be wholly owned by Nigerian citizens, registered in the relevant Special Register, manned by Nigerian citizens, and built in Nigeria.

He warned that vessels that fail to meet the statutory requirements would not be allowed to participate in Cabotage operations except where the required Nigerian capacity is unavailable, and the conditions prescribed by law have been established and verified by NIMASA.

The NIMASA spokesman said the enhanced enforcement regime would involve closer monitoring of compliance with the Cabotage Act, its regulations and applicable guidelines.

He said the measure was necessary to ensure that opportunities and jobs created by Nigeria’s coastal and inland shipping activities were not outsourced to foreign interests at the expense of indigenous operators and maritime professionals.

Edward added that the Marine Notice, which takes immediate effect, reinforces NIMASA’s commitment to promoting indigenous participation in local and international shipping, developing local maritime capacity and ensuring that Cabotage operations contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s economic development.

He said the Agency would continue to enforce the applicable laws and regulations to strengthen maritime governance and create a more effective framework for indigenous participation in Nigeria’s maritime industry.