Every tanker, barge, tugboat and fishing vessel operating in Nigerian waters could soon need a registration number under a new directive from the Tugboat, Fuel Barges and Seagoing Vessel Association of Nigeria, which is pushing for mandatory censorship and verification of marine craft nationwide to help combat sea piracy and illegal oil bunkering.
In a statement signed by Legal Adviser Tonye Wilson, the association, which describes itself as a unified advocacy voice for maritime operators focused on marine operations, safety standards and professional networking, said rising incidents of illegal bunkering and their impact on national security, revenue, safety and the marine environment have prompted a nationwide directive requiring immediate censorship, verification and stricter control of all marine vessels and craft operating in Nigerian waters and inland waterways, issued under the Suppression of Piracy and Other Maritime Offences Act of 2019. The directive covers tankers, barges, tugboats, fishing vessels, workboats, houseboats, service boats, landing craft, patrol craft and any vessel involved in fuel transport, storage or ship to ship transfers.
Vessel owners have 90 days from the notice to complete censorship of their marine vehicles through the association’s website, and must submit a certificate of registry or proof of ownership, a tonnage certificate, a list of marine vehicles owned by the company, and operator’s licenses from NIMASA, NIWA and other relevant agencies. Every verified vessel will receive a Unique Vessel Identification Number, which must be visibly marked on both the bow and stern according to specifications set by the association and the law. The implementation window runs from August 15, 2026 to November 30, 2026.
