OIL IN NAVIGABLE WATERS ACT
Act · Energy
An Act prohibits the discharge of oil and mixtures from vessels into Nigeria's navigable waters and enforces international oil pollution conventions. It targets ship operators, vessel masters, port operators, and enforcement agencies. This protects aquatic ecosystems and fishing livelihoods.
What Is This Policy?
An Act prohibiting the discharge of oil and oil mixtures from vessels into the navigable waters of Nigeria, giving effect to international conventions on oil pollution from ships and establishing penalties for violations.
Who Does It Target?
Ship operators and vessel masters in Nigerian waters Port operators and bunkering companies NIMASA and the Nigerian Ports Authority for enforcement
What Does It Aim to Achieve?
To prevent oil pollution of Nigeria's rivers, ports, harbours, and coastal waters, protect aquatic ecosystems and fishing livelihoods, and fulfil obligations under the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL).
Key Features
Discharge Prohibition: Bans the discharge of oil or oil mixtures from ships into Nigerian navigable waters. Record-Keeping: Requires vessels to maintain an oil record book documenting all oil operations. Reception Facilities: Obliges ports to provide adequate facilities for receiving waste oil from ships. Inspection Powers: NIMASA inspectors may board and inspect vessels for compliance. Penalties: Fines and possible vessel detention for contravening the discharge prohibition.
Current Status
In force. Enforced by NIMASA and the Nigerian Ports Authority, with criminal penalties applicable to vessels unlawfully discharging oil into Nigerian territorial and inland waters.
Vessel operators must maintain compliant oil record books Port operators must establish and publicise reception facility availability Application method: NIMASA regional offices
Important Terms
Violation is an offence by both the vessel owner and the master Oil record books must be available for inspection at all times Deliberate or negligent discharge attracts enhanced penalties
Official Resources
Website: www.nimasa.gov.ng Policy Summary Document | Federal Republic of Nigeria
Legal Framework
Enacted under Section 4 of the 1999 Constitution. Gives domestic effect to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution of the Sea by Oil (OILPOL 1954) and MARPOL 73/78, operating alongside the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency Act 2007, the Exclusive Economic Zone Act, and the Territorial Waters Act.