The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced a decisive shift in maritime policy, signalling the end of routine waivers for foreign vessels operating under the Coastal and Inland Shipping (Cabotage) Act of 2003.
The move is intended to strengthen domestic shipping capacity and drive indigenous participation across the maritime value chain.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, made the announcement following high-level talks with a delegation from NNPC Shipping (the shipping arm of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company), Caverton Offshore Support Group, and Swedish shipping giant, Stena Bulk.
The meeting also marked the formal unveiling of Unity Shipping World, a new tripartite public/private joint venture targeting crude oil, refined product, and LNG transport in Nigerian and West African waters.
Oyetola reconfirmed his resolve to halt indiscriminate approvals. “The era of indiscriminate waivers is ending. We can’t keep weakening local capacity under the guise of temporary foreign assistance.
“We must empower local tonnage, boost employment, and create a sustainable pipeline of Nigerian maritime professionals.”
Under the Cabotage Act, coastal shipping activities are reserved for vessels that are Nigerian-owned, crewed, built, and flagged. However, due to gaps in local capacity, exemptions have frequently been granted, often to the detriment of local operators.
To support the transition, Oyetola has directed the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency to begin disbursing the long-awaited Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund.
The fund, financed through levies imposed on cabotage operations, is designed to enable local shipowners to finance new builds or acquire second-hand tonnage.
“As the waiver era ends, supporting indigenous shipowners becomes even more crucial,” he said.
The newly launched Unity Shipping World is expected to play a key role in this broader vision.
Caverton Offshore CEO, Bode Makanjuola, said the venture aimed to build a versatile fleet to support NNPC’s logistics as well as third-party oil producers and energy traders.
“This partnership reflects careful planning and a shared vision. It combines local expertise with global standards for real impact. Unity Shipping World will proudly fly the Nigerian flag and help train the next generation of seafarers,” said Makanjuola.
NNPC Shipping Managing Director, Panos Gliatis, said the alliance would enhance domestic refining and support Nigeria’s global energy logistics role.
Stena Bulk President and CEO, Erik Hånell, highlighted the alignment of the venture with his company’s global strategy. “We are committed to operational excellence and growth in key energy markets. This partnership boosts Nigeria’s shipping and energy sectors.”
Unity Shipping World is expected to operate under the Nigerian flag and provide structured seafarer training, contributing to the development of a competitive and skilled maritime workforce.
NNPC Shipping Managing Director, Panos Gliatis, said the alliance would enhance domestic refining and support Nigeria’s global energy logistics role.
