NIMASA Tightens Enforcement of Cabotage Rules to Protect Indigenous Shipping
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NIMASA has announced enhanced enforcement of Cabotage requirements, warning vessel owners and operators that non-compliant ships could be barred from Nigeria's coastal and inland shipping trade.
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has announced enhanced enforcement of statutory requirements for indigenous participation in Nigeria's Cabotage trade, warning that non-compliant vessels risk being denied access to local maritime operations.
The agency disclosed the move in a marine notice issued under the NIMASA Act 2007 and the Coastal and Inland Shipping (Cabotage) Act 2003. Under the enhanced regime, all persons and entities requiring vessels for Cabotage operations must use ships that meet Nigerian ownership, registration, manning and construction requirements, and are duly entered in the Special Register for Vessels and Ship Owning Companies Engaged in Cabotage.
NIMASA said vessel owners, operators, charterers and managers must maintain valid statutory certifications, and that the enhanced enforcement is aimed at protecting maritime jobs for Nigerians and strengthening local capacity in coastal and inland shipping.
