The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has announced tighter enforcement of rules around indigenous participation in the country’s cabotage trade, as outlined in its latest marine notice.

The enforcement is based on the NIMASA Act 2007 and the Coastal and Inland Shipping Act 2003. Under these laws, all vessels used for cabotage must be wholly owned by Nigerian citizens, registered in Nigeria, built in Nigeria, and manned by Nigerian crews. Stakeholders are required to keep valid documentation to stay compliant.

Non-Nigerian vessels can only be used in specific cases, and only when verified conditions show there is no adequate Nigerian capacity available to handle the work.

These new measures take effect immediately. Their aim is to strengthen maritime governance, protect job opportunities for Nigerians, and improve the country’s local shipping capabilities.