NIMASA Issues 30-Day Ultimatum to Vessel Owners Over Documentation Compliance
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has issued a 30-day ultimatum to vessel owners and other maritime operators to regularise their documentation or risk detention, penalties and withdrawal of operational waivers.
The agency announced the directive in a statement on Tuesday, granting a compliance window beginning January 5, 2026, for operators to conduct self-audits and voluntarily regularise their operations.
According to the statement signed by the Deputy Director of Public Relations, Edward Osagie, vessels operating without proper registration, valid certifications, updated ownership documentation and full compliance with Cabotage provisions will face enforcement actions once the grace period expires.
The directive applies to ship and vessel owners, operators, managers, shipping companies and agents, charterers, masters and officers of merchant ships, international and national oil companies, offshore installation and platform operators, as well as vessel operators within Free Trade Zones and other maritime stakeholders operating in Nigerian waters.
Osagie explained that the exercise is aimed at ensuring full compliance with statutory requirements, including proper vessel registration, valid certifications, updated ownership records and adherence to Cabotage laws governing vessel ownership, registration, manning and construction.
He also stressed the importance of timely payment and remittance of all statutory levies and fees as prescribed by law.
As part of the initiative, NIMASA has commenced a special enforcement operation code-named “Operation Zero Tolerance for Non-Compliance” across the Nigerian maritime domain.
The agency said it will carry out random and targeted vessel inspections, verify documentation against its databases and conduct physical and documentary compliance assessments at ports, terminals and offshore locations.
The directive 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.
NIMASA warned that failure to comply after the expiration of the 30-day grace period would attract enforcement measures, including vessel detention, monetary sanctions, withdrawal of waivers or operational licences and denial of port clearance until full compliance is achieved.
Meanwhile, the Director-General of NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to promoting indigenous shipping development, enhancing maritime safety and security, protecting the marine environment and ensuring strict adherence to Nigeria’s maritime laws.
He urged all stakeholders to cooperate with the agency, noting that collective compliance is essential to sustaining gains already recorded in maritime safety, security and the sustainable use of Nigeria’s marine resources.
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