NIMASA Enforces Indigenous Participation in Cabotage Trade

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has announced an enhanced enforcement regime for the statutory requirements regarding indigenous participation in Nigeria’s Cabotage trade and maritime activities. This initiative is in line with the agency's mandate under the NIMASA Act 2007 and the Coastal and Inland Shipping (Cabotage) Act 2003.

Under the new regulations, all entities requiring vessels for Cabotage operations must utilize vessels that comply with Nigerian ownership, registration, manning, and construction requirements, and these vessels must be registered in the Special Register for Vessels and Ship Owning Companies Engaged in Cabotage. NIMASA mandates that Cabotage vessels be wholly owned by Nigerian citizens, manned by Nigerians, and built in Nigeria.

Exceptions for deploying non-compliant vessels are only permissible when verified by NIMASA that the requisite Nigerian capacity is unavailable. This Marine Notice takes immediate effect and reinforces NIMASA’s commitment to promoting indigenous participation in shipping trade and enhancing Nigeria’s maritime and economic development.