NIMASA detains four vessels over Cabotage violations

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has stepped up enforcement of Nigeria’s coastal shipping regulations, arresting four vessels in Lagos over alleged violations of the Cabotage Act and other maritime rules.
The vessels are MT Holmes, MT Fujairah Energy, JS Gratitude and MT Bora, according to a statement issued on Wednesday by NIMASA’s Deputy Director and Head of Public Relations, Osagie Edward.
The agency said some of the vessels had been released after regularising their alleged infractions, while enforcement measures were aimed at ensuring compliance with indigenous participation requirements in coastal and inland shipping.
The arrests were carried out under Operation Sea Guardian, an intelligence-led initiative designed to identify vessels suspected of defaulting on their Cabotage obligations, including applicable surcharges and levies.
NIMASA said the operation involved Deep Blue assets and collaboration among its enforcement personnel, the Nigerian Navy, the Maritime Guard Command and C4i intelligence personnel.
The exercise relied on intelligence reports, surveillance and compliance assessments to identify high-risk vessels for inspection and further scrutiny.
Director-General of NIMASA, Dayo Mobereola, said enforcement operations would become more frequent, warning shipping operators against violating the country’s maritime laws.
“We had earlier served notice of enhanced enforcement of indigenous participation in our coastal and inland trade, and this is exactly what we are doing,” he said.
Mobereola urged operators to comply fully with the regulations, adding that defaulters would face stiff sanctions in line with the law.
The agency recalled that it issued a marine notice on August 26, 2026, outlining the requirements for participation in Cabotage trade and warning vessel owners, companies, operators and charterers against violations.
NIMASA said the renewed enforcement drive was part of efforts to strengthen indigenous capacity in coastal and inland shipping and ensure compliance with applicable maritime regulations.