FG cracks down on cabotage violations, protects local jobs
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has tightened enforcement of rules governing indigenous participation in Nigeria’s coastal shipping, warning that vessels and operators that fail to meet the country’s Cabotage requirements will not be allowed to operate.
The agency said the move is aimed at ensuring that jobs and business opportunities created by Nigeria’s Cabotage trade are reserved for Nigerians.
NIMASA said the enhanced enforcement is based on its statutory responsibility under the NIMASA Act 2007, the Coastal and Inland Shipping (Cabotage) Act 2003, as well as relevant regulations and implementation guidelines.
In a marine notice issued on Wednesday, the agency directed individuals and organisations seeking vessels for Cabotage operations to engage vessels that meet Nigeria’s ownership, registration, manning and construction requirements. Such vessels must also be registered in the Special Register for Vessels and Ship Owning Companies engaged in Cabotage.
NIMASA further directed vessel 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.
Under the Cabotage regime, vessels operating in Nigeria’s coastal waters are required, where applicable, to be wholly owned by Nigerian citizens, registered in the relevant Special Register, manned by Nigerians and built in Nigeria.
NIMASA, however, said foreign vessels could only be considered where the required Nigerian capacity was unavailable and the necessary statutory conditions had been established and verified by the agency.
The agency said it would continue to monitor compliance with the Cabotage Act, its regulations and guidelines to strengthen maritime governance and prevent jobs meant for Nigerians from being taken by foreign operators.
The marine notice takes immediate effect.
NIMASA said the move would also support the development of local maritime capacity and ensure that Cabotage operations contribute more meaningfully to Nigeria’s maritime and wider economic development.
The agency said the enhanced enforcement was part of its broader commitment to promoting indigenous participation in both local and international shipping and ensuring that Nigerian businesses and professionals benefit from activities in the country’s maritime sector.
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