NIMASA Begins Zero-Tolerance Enforcement

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has launched a zero-tolerance enforcement drive aimed at strengthening regulatory compliance across Nigeria’s maritime sector, signalling tougher oversight and harsher sanctions for violations.

NIMASA’s Director-General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, said the new enforcement regime will extend to ship registration, crew certification, safety equipment standards, pollution control, and port facility adherence to international norms. According to Mobereola, the agency is “no longer inclined to overlook non-compliance,” stressing that robust enforcement is required to improve safety, security, and investor confidence in Nigeria’s waters.

Under the initiative, all commercial vessels operating in Nigerian waters must demonstrate full documentation, valid certification and adherence to International Maritime Organization (IMO) conventions and Nigerian maritime laws including the NIMASA Act and relevant sections of the Merchant Shipping Act. Shipowners, operators and maritime service providers who fail to meet the standards will face sanctions, including fines, detentions, or denial of access to Nigerian ports.

The zero-tolerance policy also emphasises environmental protection, with stricter monitoring of ballast-water management, oil pollution prevention, and waste disposal procedures.

NIMASA’s Marine Environment Management Department will increase inspections and compliance verification to prevent degradation of coastal and marine ecosystems.

By Oshuniran Sheriff Ola