INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION FOR THE PREVENTION OF POLLUTION FROM SHIPS 1973 AND 1978 PROTOCOL RATIFICATION AND ENFORCEMENT ACT

What Is This Policy?

This Act gives force of law in Nigeria to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL 73/78), making its standards for preventing oil, chemical, and waste pollution from ships enforceable in Nigerian law.

Who Does It Target?

Shipowners and operators of vessels using Nigerian ports and waters Port reception facility operators handling ship-generated waste Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency enforcement officers

What Does It Aim to Achieve?

To prevent the pollution of Nigerian coastal waters, rivers, and the broader marine environment from oil discharges, chemical spills, garbage, and sewage originating from ships operating in or near Nigeria.

Key Features

MARPOL Standards in Nigerian Law: Incorporates all MARPOL Annexes on oil, chemicals, packaged goods, sewage, garbage, and air emissions into Nigerian law Discharge Prohibitions: Bans the illegal discharge of oil, chemicals, sewage, and garbage from ships in Nigerian waters Port Reception Facilities: Requires Nigerian ports to provide adequate reception facilities for ship-generated waste and residues Ship Certification: Requires vessels to hold valid MARPOL certificates (such as the International Oil Pollution Prevention Certificate) before entering Nigerian ports Enforcement Powers: Grants NIMASA officers the authority to board, inspect, and detain vessels not complying with MARPOL standards

Current Status

Rollout Stage: Active; enforced by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency Coverage: Nigerian territorial waters, exclusive economic zone, and all ports and offshore facilities Funding: Federal government budget through NIMASA; port inspection fees

How to Access

Shipowners must ensure their vessels are certified under MARPOL before calling at any Nigerian port. Valid MARPOL Certificates as appropriate for the vessel type and trade Oil Record Book, Cargo Record Book, or Garbage Record Book maintained as required Use of port reception facilities for all regulated waste and residues Application method: Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Lagos and Abuja; port control officers at each seaport

Important Terms

Illegal discharge of pollutants in Nigerian waters is a criminal offence attracting fines and vessel detention Port State Control inspections may lead to vessel detention until all deficiencies are corrected

Official Resources

Website: www.nimasa.gov.ng

Legal Framework

Enacted under the legislative powers of the National Assembly vested by Section 4 of the 1999 Constitution. Gives domestic effect to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL 73/78) and operates alongside the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency Act 2007, the Merchant Shipping Act 2007, and the Harmful Waste (Special Criminal Provisions) Act.