NIMASA Moves to Deepen Indigenous Participation in Cabotage, Strengthen Nigeria’s Maritime Economy
Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has renewed its commitment to expanding indigenous participation in Nigeria’s cabotage trade and strengthening the capacity of local operators to compete in both domestic and international shipping.
The agency said the initiative was part of broader efforts to develop Nigeria’s maritime industry, create employment opportunities, retain more revenue within the country and ensure that the nation derives maximum economic benefits from its vast maritime resources.
The Deputy Director and Head of Public Relations, NIMASA, Mr Edward Osagie, stated this in a release issued in Lagos on Wednesday.
Osagie explained that the Cabotage Act was introduced to promote Nigerian ownership and participation in coastal shipping by reserving certain maritime activities for indigenous operators.
According to him, the legislation was designed not only to reduce foreign dominance in Nigeria’s coastal trade but also to encourage the development of a strong indigenous fleet, build local expertise and create sustainable employment for Nigerians.
He said NIMASA remained focused on implementing policies and programmes that would strengthen the capacity of Nigerian maritime operators and provide them with the necessary skills and knowledge to compete effectively in the sector.
Osagie noted that training and human-capital development remained critical to the success of the cabotage regime, stressing that a vibrant maritime industry required competent Nigerian seafarers, shipowners, technical personnel and other professionals across the maritime value chain.
He added that the agency was also strengthening its regulatory and enforcement mechanisms to ensure greater compliance with the Cabotage Act and address practices that could undermine the participation of Nigerian operators in coastal shipping.
The NIMASA spokesperson said effective enforcement would help create a more level playing field for indigenous operators while ensuring that the objectives of the cabotage policy were achieved.
He, however, acknowledged that regulatory enforcement alone would not be sufficient to transform Nigeria’s indigenous shipping capacity.
Osagie identified access to affordable funding, investment in modern maritime infrastructure, vessel acquisition and stronger public-private partnerships as key factors required to grow Nigeria’s indigenous fleet.
He said difficulties in accessing finance had remained a major challenge for many local operators seeking to acquire and maintain vessels, expand their businesses and compete with well-established international shipping companies.
According to him, increased investment in the sector would strengthen Nigeria’s shipping capacity, promote technology transfer and reduce the country’s dependence on foreign vessels for maritime transportation.
He further stressed the importance of collaboration among government agencies, financial institutions, shipowners, maritime professionals and other stakeholders in creating an environment where indigenous businesses could thrive.
The NIMASA official urged stakeholders in the maritime sector to support government initiatives aimed at developing local capacity and improving the competitiveness of Nigerian operators.
He said a successful cabotage regime would have significant implications for Nigeria’s economy through job creation, revenue generation, skills development and increased participation of Nigerians in maritime businesses.
Osagie also encouraged indigenous operators to take advantage of available opportunities within the sector by investing in professionalism, compliance, safety standards and modern technology.
He said NIMASA would continue to work with relevant stakeholders to promote sustainable growth while ensuring that safety and regulatory standards were maintained across Nigeria’s maritime domain.
The agency reiterated that the development of indigenous shipping capacity remained central to its mandate, noting that a stronger local maritime industry would contribute significantly to Nigeria’s economic diversification.
NIMASA therefore called for sustained commitment from all stakeholders to ensure that the objectives of the Cabotage Act were fully realised.
The agency maintained that with effective regulation, increased investment, improved access to finance, human-capital development and stronger indigenous participation, Nigeria could build a competitive maritime industry capable of supporting national economic growth and positioning the country as a leading maritime hub in Africa.
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