NIMASA gives vessel owners, oil firms 30 days to update documents

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has set a 30-day deadline for vessel owners and oil companies to update their documents, as part of efforts to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. The directive requires all vessel owners and oil companies operating in Nigeria to regularise their documentation, including registration, certification, and other relevant […]

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has set a 30-day deadline for vessel owners and oil companies to update their documents, as part of efforts to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

The directive requires all vessel owners and oil companies operating in Nigeria to regularise their documentation, including registration, certification, and other relevant papers.

Daily Trust learnt that the move is aimed at ensuring that all vessels operating in Nigerian waters meet the required international and national standards, and to prevent illegal activities such as piracy, oil theft, and environmental pollution.

During the 30-day period, NIMASA will conduct a thorough verification of all vessels and oil companies, to ensure compliance with the relevant laws and regulations. Vessel owners and oil companies that fail to comply with the directive risk facing penalties, fines, and other sanctions.

The agency has warned that it will not hesitate to detain vessels and withdraw operational licenses of companies that fail to meet the deadline.

NIMASA has also assured stakeholders that it will provide support and guidance to vessel owners and oil companies to ensure a smooth compliance process.

Edward Osagie, Head of Public Relations for NIMASA in a statement issued on Tuesday stated that the directive is part of efforts to ensure full compliance with existing maritime laws and regulations.

Osagie in the statement further disclosed that the Agency has commenced special operational enforcement code named “Operation Zero Tolerance for Non-Compliance” in the Nigerian maritime domain.

He stated that the directive was issued through a Marine Notice, pursuant to the Agency’s statutory mandate under the NIMASA Act 2007, the Coastal and Inland Shipping (Cabotage) Act 2003, the Merchant Shipping Act 2007, and other applicable regulations.

Under this operation, all Ship/Vessel Owners, Operators, Managers, International and National Oil Companies, Masters and Officers of Merchant Ships, Shipping Companies, Shipping Agents, Charterers, Offshore Installations and Platforms Operators, Vessel Operators at the Free Trade Zones (FTZ), and Maritime Stakeholders operating or intending to operate within Nigerian waters are required to ensure full compliance with statutory requirements.

“These include proper vessel registration, valid certifications, updated ownership documentation, adherence to Cabotage provisions relating to vessel ownership, registration, manning, and build.

The notice also emphasized the importance of timely payment and remittance of all statutory levies and fees as prescribed by law.

As part of the enforcement process, NIMASA will conduct random and targeted vessel inspections, verify documentation against its databases, and carry out physical and documentary compliance assessments at ports, terminals, and offshore locations.

Operators will also be required to present proof of payment of all applicable levies and fees upon request.

“To allow stakeholders the opportunity to regularize their operations, NIMASA has granted a thirty (30) day window from January 5, 2026 for a self-audit and voluntary compliance.

The Agency warned that failure to comply after the expiration of the grace period will attract enforcement actions, including vessel detention, monetary penalties, withdrawal of waivers or operational licences, and denial of port clearance until full compliance is achieved” he explained.

Meanwhile, the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola assured all stakeholders of the Agency’s commitment to promoting indigenous shipping development, enhancing maritime safety and security, protecting the marine environment, and ensuring strict compliance with Nigeria’s maritime laws.