Nigeria Maritime Zone Act (Repeal & Re-enactment) Bill

A Bill repeals outdated maritime laws and re-enacts a unified legal framework governing Nigeria's maritime zones. It defines the territorial waters, contiguous zone, and exclusive economic zone for all operators. This strengthens Nigeria's sovereign rights and streamlines enforcement across all maritime agencies.

Nigeria Maritime Zone Act (Repeal & Re-enactment) Bill Policy Overview

What Is This Policy?

A comprehensive bill to repeal outdated maritime zone legislation and re-enact a unified, modern legal framework defining and governing Nigeria's territorial waters, contiguous zone, exclusive economic zone, and continental shelf, aligned with current international maritime law.

Who Does It Target?

Federal and state maritime agencies (NIMASA, Nigerian Navy) Oil and gas companies operating offshore Foreign vessels and maritime operators in Nigerian waters Fishing industry and coastal communities

What Does It Aim to Achieve?

Consolidate and modernise fragmented maritime zone laws into one coherent statute Strengthen Nigeria's enforcement of sovereign rights over its maritime domains Align domestic law with UNCLOS obligations and international maritime standards Improve resource governance in the exclusive economic zone

Key Features

Current Status

Funding: Enforcement and administration funded through NIMASA levies and federal budget

How to Access

Maritime operators must comply with registration, licensing, and reporting requirements under NIMASA. Requirements: All vessels operating in Nigerian waters must be NIMASA-registered Foreign vessels require port clearance and compliance with Nigerian maritime law Resource exploitation requires valid licences from relevant federal agencies Application method: NIMASA office or online portal: www.nimasa.gov.ng

Important Terms

Violation of maritime zone provisions subject to significant fines and vessel seizure All resources within the EEZ belong exclusively to Nigeria under UNCLOS Article 56 Foreign research vessels require prior permission from the federal government

Impact & Metrics

Nigeria's EEZ covers approximately 313,000 sq km; modernised law will improve governance of oil, gas, and marine resources worth hundreds of billions of dollars.

Official Resources

Website: www.nimasa.gov.ng Contact: NIMASA — [email protected] Federal Republic of Nigeria — Policy Summary Document | March 2026

Legal Framework

The Nigeria Maritime Zone Act (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill would, when enacted, derive authority from Section 44(3) of the 1999 Constitution (Federal Government ownership of offshore natural resources) and domesticate the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS 1982). It would operate alongside the Merchant Shipping Act 2007, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency Act, and the Oil Pipelines Act governing offshore pipelines and installations.