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NIMASA Registration Consultant in Nigeria
Lifehampers helps shipping companies, shipping agents and vessel owners register with NIMASA, renew every year and get cabotage vessel registration and waivers, so you can work legally in Nigerian waters.
How NIMASA Registration Works
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) regulates shipping, ship owners and maritime service companies in Nigeria. Under the Coastal and Inland Shipping (Cabotage) Act 2003, vessels working in Nigerian coastal and inland waters must also be entered on the Register of Cabotage Vessels, unless a waiver is granted.
Most of our clients need one or both of these registrations:
- Shipping company registration for ship owners, operators, cargo carriers and shipping agents
- Annual renewal of the NIMASA company certificate
- Cabotage vessel registration for tugs, barges, supply boats and other vessels
- Cabotage waivers where a vessel is not fully Nigerian owned, crewed or built
Company Requirements
A CAC company with shipping objects in its memorandum and at least N25 million allotted share capital, current tax clearance, up-to-date annual returns, a bank reference and audited accounts.
Application and Inspection
You collect a debit note, pay through Remita, complete Form B1 and submit an application to the Director-General. NIMASA then inspects the company before approval.
Vessel Registration
Vessels need a condition survey by a NIMASA surveyor, classification by a recognised society, a sworn declaration of ownership and the cabotage application forms.
Fees and Renewal
Published guides list a registration debit note of N110,000 (N10,000 Form B1 plus N100,000 registration) and an annual renewal of N15,000, payable for each expired year. We confirm the current figures before you pay.
How We Help
We check your share capital and objects, fix any CAC gaps, prepare the documents, manage payment and submission, prepare you for inspection and track your renewal date.
Questions people often ask
Straight answers to the questions we hear most often.
Who needs NIMASA registration?
Companies that own or operate ships, carry cargo by sea or act as shipping agents, plus owners of vessels working in Nigerian coastal and inland waters under the Cabotage Act.
What share capital do I need?
Published requirements ask for a CAC company with shipping objects and at least N25 million allotted share capital. If your capital is lower, we can file the increase with CAC first. See our CAC services.
Does NIMASA inspect my company?
Yes. NIMASA carries out a physical inspection of the company before approving registration, so use a real, visitable office address.
How often do I renew?
Every year. If a certificate has expired for more than a year, renewal covers each expired year, so it is cheaper to renew on time.
What is a cabotage waiver?
Cabotage vessels should be Nigerian owned, crewed and built. Where that is not possible, the operator can apply to NIMASA for a waiver on the relevant requirement.
Do I need other registrations?
Usually yes: tax clearance, SCUML for your bank account and, for oil and gas work, NUPRC and NCDMB compliance. See our oil and gas compliance service.
Starting or Renewing a Shipping Business?
Lifehampers Global Consults handles NIMASA registration and renewals alongside CAC, tax clearance, SCUML and oil and gas compliance.