PORTS (RELATED OFFENCES, ETC.) ACT
Act · Security
An Act criminalises offences in Nigerian ports, such as theft and sabotage. It targets individuals committing crimes and port security agencies to enforce penalties. This aims to safeguard port infrastructure and personnel.
PORTS (RELATED OFFENCES, ETC.) ACT
What Is This Policy?
An Act that criminalises a range of offences committed in and around Nigerian ports including sabotage, theft of cargo, violence against port workers, and obstruction of port operations.
Who Does It Target?
Persons committing offences in port areas Port workers and security personnel Nigeria Customs Service and port security agencies Shipping companies and terminal operators
What Does It Aim to Achieve?
Protect port infrastructure, cargo, and personnel from criminal acts, and deter port-related offences through clear criminal liability and penalties.
Key Features
Cargo Theft: Makes theft of goods from port premises or vessels in port a specific criminal offence with enhanced penalties. Sabotage: Criminalises deliberate damage to port infrastructure, vessels, or cargo. Violence: Prescribes penalties for assault and battery of port workers in the course of their duties. Obstruction: Makes obstruction of port operations or NPA officers a criminal offence.
Current Status
Rollout Stage: Active Coverage: All Nigerian port areas Beneficiaries: Port operations integrity; cargo owners; port workers Funding: Federal Government
How to Access
Report port offences to NPA security, Nigeria Customs, or the Police Port security personnel may detain suspects pending Police arrival Application method: Report offences to port security or Nigeria Police Force.
Important Terms
Penalties are generally more severe than equivalent general criminal law offences Port offences are tried in Federal High Court Persons convicted of port offences may be permanently barred from port access
Official Resources
Website: https://www.nigerianports.gov.ng Contact: Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) / Nigeria Police Force
Legal Framework
Enacted under Section 4 of the 1999 Constitution. Operates under the Nigerian Ports Authority Act Cap N126 LFN 2004, the Merchant Shipping Act 2007, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency Act 2007, the Customs and Excise Management Act, and SOLAS (International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea) standards.