NATIONAL SHIPPING POLICY

A Policy provides a framework for developing a competitive shipping industry in Nigeria, promoting Nigerian vessels and seafarers. It targets shipping companies, oil firms, and shipbuilding yards. This builds self-reliant shipping capacity and earns foreign exchange.

What Is This Policy?

Nigeria's policy framework for the development of a competitive national shipping industry, promoting Nigerian-owned vessels, Nigerian seafarers, and domestic shipbuilding as components of a strategic maritime sector.

Who Does It Target?

Nigerian shipping companies and vessel owners NIMASA as the maritime regulator Oil and gas companies using marine vessels Shipbuilding and repair yards in Nigeria

What Does It Aim to Achieve?

Develop a self-reliant national shipping capacity, ensure Nigerian vessels participate in the country's seaborne trade, develop Nigerian seafarers, and earn foreign exchange through international shipping.

Key Features

Cabotage Protection: Reserves Nigerian coastal shipping (cabotage) for Nigerian-flagged vessels and Nigerian seafarers. Shipbuilding Development: Promotes domestic shipbuilding and ship repair capacity through investment incentives. Seafarer Training: Supports training of Nigerian seafarers to international certification standards. Flag Administration: NIMASA administers the Nigerian ship registry attracting international vessel registrations.

Current Status

Rollout Stage: Active Coverage: Nigerian maritime and shipping sector Beneficiaries: Nigerian shipping companies; seafarers; maritime service providers Funding: NIMASA; Cabotage Vessel Finance Fund; private investment

How to Access

Nigerian shipping companies may access the Cabotage Vessel Finance Fund for vessel acquisition Seafarers must be certified by NIMASA Foreign vessels operating in Nigerian coastal waters must obtain cabotage waivers where required Application method: Engage NIMASA at https://www.nimasa.gov.ng

Official Resources

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

Legal Framework

Operates under the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency Act 2007, the Merchant Shipping Act 2007, the Cabotage Act 2003, and the Nigerian Ports Authority Act. Draws on UNCTAD guidelines on shipping development, IMO standards, and the ECOWAS Maritime Transport Charter.