The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has launched a tougher enforcement regime to shut out non-compliant vessels from Nigeria’s Cabotage trade and protect maritime jobs and opportunities reserved for Nigerians.
The agency said the new measures, contained in a Marine Notice issued under its statutory mandate, would compel companies and individuals engaging in Cabotage operations to strictly comply with Nigeria’s ownership, registration, manning and construction requirements.
NIMASA said the move is aimed at strengthening indigenous participation in the maritime sector and ensuring that jobs meant for Nigerians are not outsourced to foreign interests.
Under the new enforcement regime, all persons and entities requiring vessels for Cabotage operations must use vessels that satisfy applicable Nigerian requirements and are duly registered in the Special Register for Vessels and Ship Owning Companies Engaged in Cabotage.
The agency also warned vessels, owners, operators, charterers, managers and other stakeholders involved in Cabotage activities to ensure that their statutory certificates, licences, registrations and other required documents remain valid.
According to NIMASA, Cabotage vessels are required, where applicable, to be wholly owned by Nigerian citizens, registered in the relevant Special Register, manned by Nigerians and built in Nigeria.
It, however, noted that vessels failing to meet the requirements could only be deployed where the requisite Nigerian capacity was unavailable and the statutory conditions had been established and verified by NIMASA.
The agency said it would intensify monitoring and enforcement of the Coastal and Inland Shipping (Cabotage) Act 2003, NIMASA Act 2007, relevant regulations and implementing guidelines.
NIMASA stressed that the enforcement drive was not merely regulatory, but part of a broader effort to protect Nigerian maritime opportunities, deepen local capacity and ensure that the Cabotage regime delivers tangible economic benefits to the country.
“The Agency will continue to monitor compliance with the Cabotage Act, its regulations and applicable guidelines, in a bid to entrench maritime governance and ensure that jobs meant for Nigerians are not outsourced,” NIMASA said.
The Marine Notice takes immediate effect.
The agency said the latest action further demonstrates its commitment to promoting indigenous participation in both local and international shipping, developing Nigeria’s maritime capacity and ensuring that Cabotage operations contribute meaningfully to national economic development.
The statement was signed by Osagie Edward, FNIPR, Deputy Director and Head of Public Relations, NIMASA.
