Territorial Waters Act

Territorial Waters Act

What Is This Policy?

The legislation that defines the extent of Nigeria's territorial waters, establishing the baseline from which maritime zones are measured and declaring Nigerian sovereignty over these waters, the seabed, and the subsoil.

Who Does It Target?

Federal Government maritime and defence agencies International shipping operators transiting Nigerian waters Oil and gas companies operating offshore International maritime law practitioners

What Does It Aim to Achieve?

Establish and protect Nigeria's sovereign rights over its territorial waters in accordance with international law.

Key Features

Territorial Sea: Extends 12 nautical miles from the baseline along the Nigerian coast Baseline: Defined reference line from which maritime zones are measured Sovereignty: Nigeria exercises full sovereignty over territorial waters, airspace, seabed, and subsoil Innocent Passage: Foreign vessels have the right of innocent passage through territorial waters Enforcement: Nigerian authorities may enforce laws within territorial waters

Current Status

Rollout Stage: Active Coverage: Nigeria's territorial waters Lead Agency: Federal Ministry of Defence, Nigerian Navy, and NIMASA

How to Access

The Act is a fundamental maritime law. Access through the Laws of the Federation of Nigeria Applicable to all activities within Nigerian territorial waters

Official Resources

Website: nimasa.gov.ng Contact: Federal Ministry of Defence / NIMASA

Legal Framework

Enacted under Section 4 of the 1999 Constitution. Implements the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) provisions on territorial sea, which Nigeria ratified. Operates alongside the Exclusive Economic Zone Act Cap E17 LFN 2004, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency Act 2007, and the Continental Shelf Act Cap C10 LFN 2004.