Nimasa Unveils Zero Tolerance, Plans to Sanctions Maritime Defaulters.

By Joe Njoku,
Global Freight News.The Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has launched a powerful enforcement drive code-named Operation Zero Tolerance for. Non-compliance, marking a decisive shift toward strict regulation and accountability across the Nigeria’s maritime waters. This initiative underscores the agency’s resolve to arrest defaulters of maritime laws and ensure full compliance with safety, security, and operational standards within the nation’s maritime domain.

The operation became effective following the issuance of a Marine Notice, aimed at compelling strict obedience to the existing maritime regulations by all operators in the Nigerian waters.
Nimasa observed that the initiative is anchored on the Agency’s statutory powers as provided under the NIMASA Act 2007, the Coastal and Inland 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 declaration before operating on Nigerian waters.

According to the agency, compliance is key requirements which include proper vessel registration, possession of valid statutory certificates, updated ownership documentation, and strict observance of cabotage provisions covering vessel ownership, registration and construction.

Operators are also expected to ensure the timely payment and remittance of all statutory levies and fees as described by law. As part of the enforcement process, NIMASA will carry out random and targeted vessel inspections, documentation verification against official database, 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-audit and regularize any outstanding compliance issues. NIMASA warned that failure after the expiration of the grace window attract strict sanctions, including vessel detention, financial penalties, withdrawal of waivers or operational licences, and denial of port clearance until full compliance is achieved.

Dr Dayo Mobereola, Director General, NIMASA, reaffirmed commitment to promoting indigenous B’Odogwu shipping development, strengthening maritime safety and security, protecting the marine environment, and enforcing Nigeria’s maritime laws without compromise.

“We urged 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,” he said.

The development, according to Osagie Edward, FNIPR, Deputy Director and Head 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.