The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has announced enhanced enforcement of the statutory requirements for indigenous participation in Nigeria’s Cabotage trade and maritime activities. This disclosure was contained in a marine notice issued pursuant to the Agency’s statutory mandate of implementing applicable laws including the NIMASA Act 2007 and the Coastal and Inland Shipping (Cabotage) Act 2003, in addition to the Cabotage regulations and implementing guidelines. Under the enhanced enforcement regime, all persons and entities requiring vessels for Cabotage operations are required to use vessels that meet applicable Nigerian ownership, registration, manning and construction requirements and are duly registered in the Special Register for Vessels and Ship Owning Companies Engaged in Cabotage. The Agency further requires all vessels, owners, operators, charterers, managers and other stakeholders engaged in Cabotage activities to maintain valid statutory certi...