Maritime Bills: NMLA Gives National Assembly May 2027 Deadline

The Nigerian Maritime Law Association (NMLA) has pressured the National Assembly to finalize pending maritime bills by May 2027. The deadline follows the expiration of the assembly's term and warns that further delays could weaken Nigeria's ability to turn maritime policies and international agreements into enforceable laws. Speaking on the occasion of the 2026 World Maritime Day, NMLA President Mike Igbokwe stated that the theme of "From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence" highlights the shift from treaty negotiation to domestication, implementation, and enforcement.

The association emphasized the need for stronger maritime law enforcement, practical outcomes in safety, security, seafarers' welfare, environmental protection, and port efficiency. Nigeria's membership on the IMO Council for 2026-2027 offers the nation an opportunity to contribute to global maritime policy, but NMLA contends that this international role must be matched by stronger domestic implementation.

Nigeria's existing maritime framework, including the Nigerian Ports Authority Act, Cabotage Act 2003, Merchant Shipping Act 2007, SPOMO Act 2019, and Nigerian Ports Economic Regulatory Agency Act, is being reviewed for better enforcement. The organization highlighted ongoing work by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) on ship-to-ship transfer, cargo regulations, ship finance, and ship registration.

The NMLA called for full implementation of the Cabotage Act and a shift towards indigenous tonnage, shipbuilding, and vessel ownership. Strengthening enforcement of the Suppression of Piracy and Other Maritime Offences Act and building judicial capacity to expedite piracy prosecutions were also emphasized. The association urged the National Assembly to finalize all pending maritime bills before May 2027, urging sustained investment in maritime dispute-resolution capacity and closer collaboration among various stakeholders.