EXCLUSIVE ECONOMIC ZONE ACT

An Act declares Nigeria's Exclusive Economic Zone extending 200 nautical miles and establishes sovereign rights over its resources. It targets foreign vessels and companies operating in these waters, with enforcement by agencies like NIMASA. This ensures sustainable management of marine resources and penalizes violations.

What Is This Policy?

An Act declaring Nigeria's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) extending 200 nautical miles from the baselines of Nigeria's territorial sea, and prescribing Nigeria's sovereign rights over resources within the EEZ.

Who Does It Target?

Foreign fishing vessels operating in Nigerian waters Oil and gas companies with offshore operations NIMASA as the maritime enforcement authority International maritime neighbours

What Does It Aim to Achieve?

Establish Nigeria's sovereign rights to explore, exploit, conserve, and manage natural resources in its 200-nautical-mile EEZ, and prescribe penalties for violations.

Key Features

EEZ Declaration: Formally declares Nigeria's 200nm EEZ in accordance with UNCLOS. Resource Rights: Nigeria has sovereign rights over fish, oil, gas, and other resources in the EEZ. Enforcement: NIMASA and Nigerian Navy enforce the EEZ against unauthorized fishing and resource exploitation. Foreign Vessels: Foreign vessels must obtain permission before fishing or resource extraction in the EEZ.

Current Status

Rollout Stage: Active Coverage: Nigerian EEZ — 200nm from baselines Beneficiaries: Nigeria's maritime resources; fishing industry; economy Funding: Federal Government

How to Access

Foreign fishing vessels: obtain licences from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Federal Ministry of Water Resources Oil companies: licences for EEZ exploration from NUPRC NIMASA manages vessel registration and maritime enforcement in the EEZ Application method: Fishing licences: Federal Ministry of Agriculture. Petroleum: NUPRC at https://www.nuprc.gov.ng

Important Terms

Illegal fishing in the Nigerian EEZ is a criminal offence attracting vessel seizure and fines Nigerian EEZ rights are distinct from its territorial sea (12nm) rights Nigeria may not prohibit innocent passage through the EEZ

Official Resources

Website: https://www.nimasa.gov.ng Contact: Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA)

Legal Framework

Enacted under the legislative powers of the National Assembly as the Exclusive Economic Zone Act (Cap E17 LFN 2004). Implements Nigeria's rights under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982 (Article 55-75 on EEZ). Operates alongside the Territorial Waters Act, the Merchant Shipping Act 2007, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Act, and the Petroleum Industry Act 2021 for offshore petroleum.