By Sandra Chukwunyere
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has detained two vessels for non-compliance with cabotage regulations as part of efforts to strengthen regulatory enforcement in Nigeria’s maritime sector.
The agency clarified that only MT Holmes and MT Sabeak were detained during a targeted enforcement operation code-named Operation Sea Guardian. It also confirmed that MT FUJAIRAH ENERGY, JS GRATITUDE and MT BORA were not detained, as they were found to be fully compliant with the Cabotage Act and other applicable regulations.
NIMASA regretted the mix-up and any inconvenience caused to the affected vessels and their owners.
According to a statement signed by Osagie Edward, FNIPR, Deputy Director and Head of Public Relations at NIMASA, Operation Sea Guardian was designed to strengthen regulatory compliance, verify adherence to cabotage obligations, assess compliance with applicable surcharges and levies, and ensure that vessels operating within Nigerian waters comply with maritime regulations.
The agency explained that the operation was conducted based on intelligence reports and compliance indicators, with the deployment of assets under the Deep Blue Project to track, board, inspect and verify the status of vessels.
NIMASA said the operation involved collaboration among its enforcement personnel, the Nigerian Navy, the Maritime Guard Command and C4i intelligence personnel.
The agency reiterated its commitment to enforcing the Cabotage Act and other relevant maritime regulations to ensure compliance among vessel operators.
It also emphasised the importance of accurate information in reporting enforcement activities, particularly in identifying vessels detained for regulatory violations and those found to be compliant.
