The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has directed operators in the sector to regularise their operations to avoid enforcement measures.

In a statement on Tuesday by Osagie Edward, deputy director and head of public relations at NIMASA, the agency granted maritime operators a 30-day window period for self-audit and voluntary compliance, effective from January 5, 2026.

NIMASA warned that failure to comply after the expiration of the grace period will attract enforcement measures, including vessel detention, monetary penalties, withdrawal of waivers or operational licences, and denial of port clearance until full compliance is achieved.

Dayo Mobereola, director-general of NIMASA, said the agency remains committed to promoting indigenous shipping development, enhancing maritime safety and security, protecting the marine environment, and enforcing Nigeria’s maritime laws.

Mobereola urged stakeholders to comply with the directive, noting that sustained collaboration is necessary to build on previous regulatory gains, improve safety, ensure a secure maritime environment and promote the sustainable use of marine resources.

NIMASA LAUNCHES OPERATION ZERO TOLERANCE FOR NON-COMPLIANCE

NIMASA has launched a special enforcement operation aimed at ensuring full compliance with existing maritime laws and regulations across Nigeria’s maritime domain.

The operation, code-named “Operation Zero Tolerance for Non-Compliance,” was issued through a marine notice, pursuant to NIMASA’s statutory powers under the NIMASA Act 2007, the Coastal and Inland Shipping (Cabotage) Act 2003, the Merchant Shipping Act 2007 and other relevant regulations.

“Under this operation, all Ship/Vessel Owners, Operators, Managers, International and National Oil Companies, Masters and Officers of Merchant Ships, Shipping Companies, Shipping Agents, Charterers, Offshore Installations and Platforms Operators, Vessel Operators at the Free Trade Zones (FTZ), and Maritime Stakeholdersoperating or intending to operate within Nigerian waters are required to ensure full compliance with statutory requirements,” the statement reads.

“These include proper vessel registration, valid certifications, updated ownership documentation, adherence to Cabotage provisions relating to vessel ownership, registration, manning, and build.”

The agency also emphasised the importance of timely payment and remittance of all statutory levies and fees as prescribed by law.

As part of the enforcement process, NIMASA said it will carry out random and targeted vessel inspections, verify documents against its databases, and conduct physical and documentary compliance checks at ports, terminals and offshore locations.

NIMASA said operators will also be required to present proof of payment of all applicable levies and fees upon request.