Compliance Now: Avoid Penalties with NIMASA Operation Zero Tolerance
Compliance Now: Avoid Penalties With NIMASA Operation Zero Tolerance
By Okezie Nnadi
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has launched a comprehensive enforcement drive code-named Operation Zero Tolerance for Non-Compliance, marking a decisive shift toward stricter regulation and accountability across Nigeria’s maritime waters. The initiative underscores the agency’s resolve to clamp down on breaches of maritime laws and ensure full compliance with safety, security, and operational standards within the nation’s maritime domain.
The operation, which took effect following the issuance of a Marine Notice, is aimed at compelling strict adherence to existing maritime regulations by all operators in Nigerian waters.
According to NIMASA, the initiative is anchored on the Agency’s statutory powers as provided under the NIMASA Act 2007, the Coastal and Inland Shipping (Cabotage) Act 2003, the Merchant Shipping Act 2007, and other relevant regulations.
Under the new enforcement regime, ship and vessel owners, operators, managers, shipping companies and agents, charterers, international and national oil companies, offshore platform operators, Free Trade Zone vessel operators, masters and officers of merchant vessels, and other maritime stakeholders are required to fully comply with all statutory obligations before operating in Nigerian waters.
According to the Agency, compliance requirements include proper vessel registration, possession of valid statutory certificates, updated ownership documentation, and strict observance of cabotage provisions covering vessel ownership, registration, manning, and construction.
Operators are also expected to ensure the timely payment and remittance of all statutory levies and fees as prescribed by law.
As part of the enforcement process, NIMASA will carry out random and targeted vessel inspections, documentation verification against official databases, and physical and documentary compliance checks at ports, terminals, offshore installations, and other operational locations.
Stakeholders may also be required to present evidence of payment of applicable statutory charges upon request.
To ease the transition, the Agency has granted a 30-day grace period beginning January 5, 2026, during which operators are expected to conduct self-audits and regularize any outstanding compliance issues. NIMASA warned that failure to comply after the expiration of the grace window will attract strict sanctions, including vessel detention, financial penalties, withdrawal of waivers or operational licences, and denial of port clearance until full compliance is achieved.
The Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to promoting indigenous shipping development, strengthening maritime safety and security, protecting the marine environment, and enforcing Nigeria’s maritime laws without compromise.
“We urge all stakeholders to do their part so that together we can build on the gains already recorded—enhanced safety, a secure maritime environment, and the sustainable utilization of our marine resources,” Mobereola said.
The development, according to Osagie Edward, FNIPR, Deputy Director and Head of Public Relations at NIMASA, reflects the Agency’s resolve to deepen regulatory compliance and consolidate recent reforms aimed at repositioning Nigeria as a credible and responsible maritime nation.
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