NIMASA gives 30 day window, set to commence strict enforcement 

By Seun Ibiyemi

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has commenced a rigorous enforcement exercise tagged “Operation Zero Tolerance for Non-Compliance,” aimed at enforcing full adherence to maritime laws within Nigerian waters.

The Agency has, however, approved a 30-day grace period, effective January 5, 2026, for operators to self-audit and regularise their documents before sanctions are applied.

In a Marine Notice issued to signal the commencement of the operation, NIMASA stated that the move aligns with its statutory mandate under the NIMASA Act 2007, the Coastal and Inland Shipping (Cabotage) Act 2003, and the Merchant Shipping Act 2007.

The enforcement targets a wide range of stakeholders, including ship owners, shipping companies, international oil companies (IOCs), and Free Trade Zone (FTZ) vessel operators. Mandates for compliance include proper vessel registration, valid certification, up-to-date ownership documentation, and strict adherence to Cabotage provisions regarding manning and vessel build.

NIMASA Director-General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, warned that failure to comply after the expiration of the grace period would attract severe sanctions. These include vessel detention, monetary penalties, and the withdrawal of operational licenses or waivers.

“We are committed to promoting indigenous shipping and protecting the marine environment. We urge operators to utilise this window to regularise their status, as collective adherence is vital for a secure maritime domain,” Mobereola stated.