Nigeria: Marine/ Shipping

Nigeria's maritime sector undergoes a major regulatory transformation with the Nigerian Ports Economic Regulatory Agency Act, 2026, which establishes a comprehensive framework for economic regulation of ports, introduces stricter tariff controls, enhanced enforcement powers, and transitions the Nigerian Shippers' Council into a dedicated economic regulator with expanded authority over port operations, terminal operators, and shipping services.

Nigeria's strategic position on the Gulf of Guinea and its status as one of Africa's largest import economies make it a critical market for international maritime logistics operators. However, establishing operations requires navigating a complex multi-agency regulatory architecture spanning company law, foreign investment restrictions, maritime licensing, customs compliance, and local content obligations.

Nigeria's port sector enters a transformative phase with the enactment of the Nigerian Port Economic Regulatory Agency Act, establishing a comprehensive legal framework for economic regulation and oversight. The legislation grants the Nigerian Shippers' Council expanded statutory powers over tariffs, licensing, competition matters, and commercial dispute resolution. Critical questions remain about implementation and how the new regulatory structure will coordinate with existing maritime agencies to avoid ju

Olisa Agbakoba Legal (OAL) recently completed a comprehensive Law and Development consultancy for the Federal Government of Nigeria. The project focused on Financial Services, Maritime, Aviation...

This appraisal examines the current procedure for arresting ships in Nigerian waters, exploring the legal framework established by the Admiralty Jurisdiction Act and the 2023 Procedure Rules. It analyzes the practical challenges faced by litigants, ship owners, and courts in enforcing this maritime remedy, while proposing solutions to improve jurisdictional clarity, prevent wrongful arrests, and manage forum tensions in international shipping disputes.

The ongoing US–Iran war dynamics, alongside broader Middle East tensions, including Israel–Iran hostilities, have intensified global concern over a potential Strait of Hormuz crisis.

Commercial transactions in Nigeria, particularly the importation of goods, are predominantly conducted via maritime transport.

Nigeria's ports are the gateways to the economy, handling over 80 % of our international trade.

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Advance Cargo Declaration Regulations, 2024 (the "Regulation"), establishes a technology-driven system that mandates the electronic submission...