The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency has given maritime operators a 30-day deadline to regularize their operations, warning that non-compliance will trigger enforcement action in Nigerian waters.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, NIMASA said the grace period for self-audit and voluntary compliance will be effective from January 5, 2026. The notice was signed by Osagie Edward, the agency's Deputy Director and Head of Public Relations.
NIMASA said operators who fail to comply after the deadline will face sanctions, including vessel detention, financial penalties, withdrawal of exemption or operating license and denial of port clearance until full compliance is achieved.
The agency's Director-General, Dayo Mobreola, said the directive is in line with NIMASA's mandate to strengthen indigenous shipping, improve maritime safety and security, protect the marine environment and enforce Nigeria's maritime laws.
Moberola urged industry players to take advantage of the window period, stressing that collaboration between regulators and operators is key to maintaining regulatory advantages and ensuring safe maritime operations.
'Operation Zero Tolerance'
NIMASA also announced the launch of a nationwide enforcement campaign named 'Operation Zero Tolerance for Non-Compliance', which aims to tighten enforcement of existing maritime regulations.
The operation, issued through a maritime notice, derives its authority from other laws including the NIMASA Act 2007, the Coastal and Inland Shipping (Cabotage) Act 2003 and the Merchant Shipping Act 2007.
Under the initiative, NIMASA said all shipowners, operators, managers, shipping companies and agents, oil companies, charterers, offshore installation operators and free trade zone ship operators must meet statutory requirements before operating in Nigerian waters.
The agency has listed key obligations to include valid vessel registration, updated certification, accurate ownership documentation and compliance with cabotage regulations covering ownership, registration, manning and vessel construction. It also stressed on prompt payment and remittance of statutory levies and duties.
As part of the operation, NIMASA said it will conduct random and targeted inspections, cross-check documents against its database and conduct compliance checks at ports, terminals and offshore locations. The agency said operators must submit proof of payment of all applicable fees upon request.
