PROVISIONS OF THE IMMIGRATION ACT ON PORT AND SHIP CLEARANCE, OFFENCES AND PUNISHMENTS
Act · Security
Policy date: 2015-01-01
An Act regulates the clearance of ships and aircraft at Nigerian ports and airports. It prescribes offences and punishments for immigration violations, targeting vessel masters, airlines, and passengers. This controls entry and exit to prevent unlawful immigration.
PROVISIONS OF THE IMMIGRATION ACT ON PORT AND SHIP CLEARANCE, OFFENCES AND PUNISHMENTS
What Is This Policy?
The specific provisions of the Immigration Act, 2015 governing the clearance of vessels and aircraft at Nigerian ports and airports, and prescribing offences and penalties for immigration violations.
Who Does It Target?
Masters of vessels entering Nigerian ports Airlines and pilots landing at Nigerian airports Passengers crossing into Nigeria by sea or air Nigeria Immigration Service port officers
What Does It Aim to Achieve?
Control and regulate the entry and exit of persons and vehicles at Nigerian ports and airports, prevent unlawful entry, and prescribe punishments for immigration violations at ports.
Key Features
Port Clearance: Ship and aircraft masters must obtain immigration clearance before passengers may disembark. Passenger Lists: Carriers must submit advance passenger manifests to NIS before arrival. Immigration Offences: Prescribes offences for illegal entry, overstaying, document fraud, and related violations at ports. Penalties: Port immigration offences carry fines and imprisonment depending on severity.
Current Status
Rollout Stage: Active — enforced by NIS at all Nigerian ports and airports Coverage: All seaports and airports Beneficiaries: Border security; legitimate travellers Funding: Federal Government
How to Access
All passengers must present valid travel documents to NIS on arrival and departure Masters of vessels must file passenger manifests before arrival Airlines are responsible for ensuring passengers hold valid entry documents Application method: Mandatory compliance at all Nigerian ports and airports. Engage NIS at https://www.immigration.gov.ng
Important Terms
Airlines face fines for carrying undocumented passengers to Nigeria Ship masters who allow stowaways to disembark illegally face prosecution Immigration offences at ports may result in deportation and future travel ban
Official Resources
Website: https://www.immigration.gov.ng Contact: Nigeria Immigration Service
Legal Framework
Governed by the Immigration Act 2015 (Sections 25-38 on port and ship clearance) enacted under the legislative powers of the National Assembly vested by Section 4 of the 1999 Constitution. Operates alongside the Merchant Shipping Act 2007, the Nigerian Ports Authority Act, the Nigeria Customs Service Act, and the Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Act. Aligns with International Maritime Organization (IMO) conventions ratified by Nigeria.