In a decisive move to strengthen regulatory discipline across Nigeria’s maritime space, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has launched a nationwide enforcement initiative tagged “Operation Zero Tolerance for Non-Compliance”.
NIMASA Head of Public Relations, Osagie Edward, in a press statement issued on Tuesday, said the operation is aimed at compelling strict adherence to existing maritime laws and reinforcing standards in a sector considered vital to national trade, security and economic growth.
He said the directive was formally communicated through a Marine Notice issued by the agency, drawing authority from its statutory responsibilities under key legislations, including the NIMASA Act 2007, the Coastal and Inland Shipping (Cabotage) Act 2003 and the Merchant Shipping Act 2007. These laws form the backbone of Nigeria’s maritime regulatory framework and were enacted to promote safety, protect the marine environment and encourage indigenous participation in shipping.
Under the new operation, vessel owners and managers, shipping companies and agents, charterers, masters and officers of merchant ships, and other industry stakeholders are required to demonstrate full compliance with statutory obligations governing their activities.
Central to this requirement are proper vessel registration, possession of valid operational and safety certificates, accurate and up-to-date ownership records, and compliance with Cabotage provisions relating to vessel ownership, registration, manning and construction.
The agency has also underscored the legal obligation of operators to ensure the prompt payment and remittance of all statutory levies and fees as prescribed by law, noting that these funds are critical to sustaining regulatory oversight and maritime development initiatives.
To enforce the directive, NIMASA will deploy both random and intelligence-led inspections across ports, terminals and offshore locations. These inspections will involve cross-checking vessel documentation against the agency’s databases, as well as physical and documentary assessments to confirm compliance.
The agency said operators may be required at any time to present evidence of payment of all applicable charges.
Recognising the need for fairness and industry readiness, the agency has provided a thirty-day grace period beginning on 5 January 2026, during which stakeholders are expected to conduct self-audits and regularise any outstanding compliance issues.
According to the agency, operators who fail to comply after the grace period will face firm sanctions, including vessel detention, financial penalties, withdrawal of waivers or operational licences and denial of port clearance until all regulatory requirements are met.
The Director General of NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola, reaffirmed the agency’s resolve to use the operation to deepen indigenous shipping development, improve maritime safety and security, safeguard the marine environment and ensure unwavering compliance with Nigeria’s maritime laws.
He called on industry players to cooperate fully, stressing that collective responsibility is essential to consolidating past regulatory gains and securing a safer, more efficient and sustainable maritime domain for the country.