NIMASA Threatens Sanctions Over Unreported Maritime Incidents, Reinforcing ISPS Compliance Obligations

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has warned maritime operators and Port Facility Security Officers (PFSOs) that failure to submit security incident reports through approved reporting channels could attract regulatory sanctions.

The warning, contained in a notice dated 28 October 2026, highlights concerns over the non-receipt of incident reports by the agency’s International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code Unit. NIMASA said some maritime security practitioners had been sending reports directly to individual agency personnel rather than using the designated reporting channel.

The agency described the practice as a breach of International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code compliance requirements, stressing that security incidents and unusual activities must be reported promptly through authorised procedures.

Under the directive, Port Facility Security Officers, maritime operators, terminal users and other relevant personnel are required to submit incident reports to the approved ISPS Unit email address. Officers must also seek confirmation where no acknowledgement is received within 24 hours and verify the authorised reporting directory where necessary.

The directive is intended to strengthen incident documentation, ensure timely escalation and improve coordination in responding to potential threats affecting vessels, port facilities, personnel and maritime supply chains.

For maritime operators and compliance professionals, the development underscores the importance of effective incident reporting frameworks, clearly defined escalation procedures and reliable communication channels.

It also highlights a broader governance issue: regulatory compliance requires not only identifying and reporting incidents but ensuring that information reaches the appropriate authority through approved channels and within prescribed timelines.

Companies operating within Nigeria’s maritime sector should therefore review their port facility security procedures, reporting responsibilities, internal escalation arrangements and evidence-retention practices to ensure alignment with applicable ISPS requirements.

The warning reinforces NIMASA’s focus on maritime security accountability and the importance of maintaining documented, auditable processes across port operations.