NIMASA detains vessels in Nigerian maritime enforcement operation

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has conducted a targeted enforcement operation, code-named ‘Operation Sea Guardian’, to ensure compliance with maritime regulations in Nigerian waters. The operation resulted in the arrest and detention of several vessels in the Lagos maritime domain, including MT HOLMES, MT FUJAIRAH ENERGY, JS GRATITUDE, and MT BORA.

The crackdown specifically focuses on enforcing the Coastal and Inland Shipping (Cabotage) Act, which governs indigenous participation in coastal and inland shipping trade. The agency also aimed to verify cabotage obligations and assess compliance with applicable surcharges and levies.

Utilizing assets from the Deep Blue project, the operation involved inter-agency cooperation between NIMASA, the Nigerian Navy, the Maritime Guard Command, and C4i intelligence personnel. NIMASA Director-General Dr. Dayo Mobereola stated that the agency had previously issued notices regarding enhanced enforcement and warned that defaulting operators would face stiff sanctions. Some vessels have already been released after regularizing their infractions.