NATIONAL SHIPPING POLICY ACT

An Act establishes Nigeria's national shipping policy and creates a framework for developing a merchant fleet and protecting cargo. It targets Nigerian shipping companies, vessel owners, oil firms, and maritime regulators. This develops a viable fleet and ensures Nigerian vessels carry a fair share of trade.

What Is This Policy?

An Act establishing Nigeria's national shipping policy, creating the legal framework for developing a Nigerian national merchant fleet, protecting cargo interests, and promoting cabotage shipping. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (exclusive legislative list on maritime matters); Coastal and Inland Shipping (Cabotage) Act 2003; NIMASA Act 2007; Merchant Shipping Act; International Maritime Organisation (IMO) conventions ratified by Nigeria

Nigerian shipping companies and vessel owners Oil and gas companies generating marine cargo NIMASA as the maritime regulator International shipping lines operating in Nigeria

Who Does It Target?

Nigerian shipping companies, vessel operators, and seafarers. The Nigerian Ports Authority and port operators. Cargo owners, freight forwarders, and importers/exporters using Nigerian sea lanes. The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) as the regulatory authority.

What Does It Aim to Achieve?

Develop a viable Nigerian merchant fleet, ensure a fair share of Nigeria's seaborne trade is carried by Nigerian-owned vessels, and reduce capital flight through freight payments to foreign carriers.

Key Features

Cargo Reservation: Government and government-financed cargo is reserved for Nigerian-flagged vessels where available. Fleet Development: Provides incentives for Nigerian investors to build or acquire vessels. Cabotage Protection: Reserves Nigerian coastal trade for Nigerian-flagged and Nigerian-crewed vessels under the Cabotage Act. Freight Conference: Provides legal basis for Nigeria's participation in shipping conference rate-setting mechanisms.

Current Status

Rollout Stage: Active Coverage: Nigerian maritime trade and shipping sector Beneficiaries: Nigerian shipping companies; seafarers; national economy Funding: NIMASA; Cabotage Vessel Finance Fund

How to Access

Nigerian shippers must enquire about Nigerian-flagged vessel availability before engaging foreign carriers for government cargo Shipping companies must register with NIMASA Cabotage waivers required for foreign vessels on coastal routes where no suitable Nigerian vessel is available Application method: Register with NIMASA and engage the Nigerian ship registry.

Official Resources

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

Legal Framework

Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (exclusive legislative list on maritime matters); Coastal and Inland Shipping (Cabotage) Act 2003; NIMASA Act 2007; Merchant Shipping Act; International Maritime Organisation (IMO) conventions ratified by Nigeria