NIMASA advances digital registry and maritime enforcement in Nigeria

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) is advancing technological and security initiatives within the country's maritime sector. Under Director-General Dayo Mobereola, the agency is working to modernize the Nigerian Flag Registration system through a fully digitalized and automated ship registry intended to reduce human bottlenecks.

However, industry analysis suggests that digital transformation alone may not prevent indigenous shipowners from using foreign “flags of convenience.” Challenges such as high customs duties on imported vessels, heavy corporate taxes, and limited access to financing remain significant economic barriers to local compliance.

In tandem with these administrative efforts, NIMASA has launched “Operation Blue-Green,” an intelligence-led maritime enforcement operation in Lagos. Utilizing the Deep Blue maritime security infrastructure and the C4i intelligence system, the agency conducted vessel inspections to verify statutory certifications, cargo documentation, and cabotage compliance. The agency plans to expand these recurring enforcement operations to other regions, including Port Harcourt, Calabar, and Warri.