Oyetola To End Cabotage Waivers, Harps On Capacity For Indigenous Shipping Operators

In a decisive move to strengthen Nigeria’s maritime sector, create jobs, and boost indigenous participation in the shipping industry, the minister of marine and blue economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has announced plans to end the issuance of waivers under the Coastal and Inland Shipping Act of 2003.

The Coastal and Inland Shipping Act, also known as the Cabotage Act, restricts domestic coastal shipping to Nigerian-owned, Nigerian-crewed, and Nigerian-built or -flagged vessels.

However, waivers have often been granted to foreign vessels when local capacity is deemed insufficient.

Over the years, these waivers have significantly limited the growth of Nigerian shipping companies, depriving them of critical opportunities in the domestic shipping space.

Speaking, the special adviser, Media and Communications to the minister, Dr Bolaji Akinola, the Minister speaking while receiving a high-level delegation from NNPC Shipping, Stena Bulk, and Caverton Offshore Support Group at the ministry in Abuja, minister Oyetola stated his firm resolve to reverse this trend.

The visit comes on the heels of the formal unveiling of Unity Shipping World (USW), a newly formed joint venture by NNPC Shipping, global maritime giant Stena Bulk, and Nigerian offshore service leader Caverton Offshore Support Group.

The joint venture aims to establish a robust tanker operation capable of transporting crude oil, refined products, and LNG within Nigeria, West Africa, and globally.

“The era of indiscriminate waivers is coming to an end,” Oyetola declared.

He continued, “We cannot continue to undermine our local capacity under the guise of temporary foreign intervention. It is time to build Nigerian tonnage, support Nigerian jobs, and give indigenous operators a fair chance to thrive. That is the only sustainable path to maritime development.”

As part of this renewed focus on indigenous capacity, the Minister had earlier directed the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to immediately commence the process that will lead to the disbursement of the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF).

The fund, which has accumulated over the years from Cabotage levies, is intended to assist Nigerian shipowners in acquiring vessels and enhancing their operational capacity.

“The disbursement of the CVFF is no longer optional — it is imperative,” Oyetola stated. “Our indigenous operators must be empowered to acquire modern vessels and effectively render services that have, for too long, been dominated by foreign shipping concerns. As we work to bring the waiver regime to a close, this support becomes even more critical.”