MARITIME SECURITY: NIMASA Strengthens Intelligence-Led Enforcement at Lagos Anchorage By Okwo Romeon Abuja

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has launched a major maritime enforcement operation codenamed "Operation Blue-Green" across key operational areas in Lagos, including Lagos Anchorage and Apapa corridor.

According to a statement from NIMASA headquarters, the operation deployed 'Deep Blue maritime assets' and a new specialised intelligence capability within the 'C4i system' to identify, assess and prioritise vessels of interest at Lagos anchorage.


What is Operation Blue-Green?

Operation Blue-Green is a coordinated maritime enforcement operation designed to strengthen compliance, security and revenue generation in Nigeria's waters.

Unlike previous random patrols, Blue-Green is *intelligence-led*. NIMASA's C4i centre in Lagos now uses advanced vessel tracking, risk profiling and data analytics to identify vessels that are suspected of operating without valid certificates, under-declaring cargo, or violating Cabotage laws.

Vessels Boarded at Lagos Anchorage

During the Lagos phase of the operation, several vessels waiting at Lagos anchorage were boarded and inspected by NIMASA enforcement teams supported by the Nigerian Navy and Marine Police.


The inspection focused on:

-   Statutory certification (Safety, Loadline, MARPOL)

-   Cargo and voyage documentation

-   Surcharge obligations (3% NIMASA levy, Cabotage fees)

-   Cabotage compliance - checking if foreign vessels are doing coastal trade meant for Nigerian vessels

Sources at Lagos anchorage told Nigeria Anchorage that at least 8 vessels were inspected, and 3 were found to have expired certificates and unpaid levies amounting to over $120,000.

NIMASA DG Speaks on Blue-Green Model

The Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, said *Operation Blue-Green will now become a recurring intelligence-led enforcement model*, not a one-off exercise.

Dr. Mobereola said similar operations will be progressively extended to *Port Harcourt anchorage, Calabar anchorage and Warri anchorage* in the coming weeks to ensure full compliance across all Nigerian waters.

"

This operation underscores NIMASA's commitment to strengthening maritime security, compliance and revenue generation," the DG said.

He added that intelligence-led enforcement will reduce physical harassment of compliant vessels at anchorage and instead focus on vessels of interest that pose security and revenue risks.

Impact on Lagos Anchorage and Berthing

The operation is expected to improve safety at Lagos anchorage, where over 18 vessels currently wait to berth at Apapa and Tin Can Island Ports.

NPA Harbour Master told Nigeria Anchorage that vessels with clean compliance records will now enjoy faster berthing clearance, while vessels with compliance issues will be held at anchorage until they regularise their documents and pay outstanding surcharges.

This will also help decongest Apapa and Tin Can as only compliant vessels will be allowed to berth.

Why This Matters for Ship Owners and Importers

For ship owners and importers whose vessels are at Lagos anchorage, NIMASA advises:

1.  Ensure all statutory certificates are valid and uploaded on NIMASA portal

2.  Pay all 3% levies and Cabotage fees before arrival at anchorage

3.  Keep cargo and voyage documentation ready for C4i verification

4.  Use licensed agents to avoid delay at anchorage

NIMASA said Operation Blue-Green will also support the new NIMASA Blue Economy Accelerator (BEAP) launched for young Nigerians, as improved compliance will generate more revenue to fund maritime innovation.

Next Phase: Port Harcourt, Calabar, Warri

After Lagos, Operation Blue-Green will move to Port Harcourt anchorage where illegal bunkering and Cabotage violations are high, then Calabar and Warri where unregulated vessels have been operating without NPA clearance.

Follow Nigeria Anchorage for daily Lagos anchorage and maritime security updates at https://nigeriaanchorage.blogspot.com




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