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Nigeria Flag of Nigeria

Pre Arrival:  Documents
Arrival:  Approaches | Pilotage
Communications:  Pre-Arrival
Pollution:  Pollution
Facilities:  Surveyors
Security:  Emergency | Piracy
Local Info:  Time | Holidays
Shore:  Banks | Customs
Crew:  Leave | Repatriation
Misc:  Authority
Report:  Report
General Information for Nigeria
Geo-political:
Capital City: Abuja.
Nationality: (noun) Nigerian, (adjective) Nigerian.
Population: 149,229,090.
Communications:
International Direct Dial Code: 234.
Number of Internal Airports: 38.
Major Languages Spoken: English (official), Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo (Ibo), Fulani.
Economy:
Currency: 1 Naira (NGN) of 100 Kobo.
Main Industries: Crude oil, coal, tin, columbite, palm oil, peanuts, cotton, rubber, wood, hides and skins, textiles, cement and other construction materials, food products, footwear, chemicals, fertiliser, printing, ceramics, steel and small commercial ship construction and repair.
Environment:
Territorial Sea: 12 n.m.
Other Maritime Claims: Continental Shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation. Exclusive Economic Zone: 200 n.m.
Coastline Extent: 853 km.
Climate: Varies; equatorial in south, tropical in centre, arid in north.
Natural Resources: Natural gas, petroleum, tin, iron ore, coal, limestone, niobium, lead, zinc and arable land.
Natural Hazards: Periodic droughts; flooding.
Terrain: Southern lowlands merge into central hills and plateaus; mountains in southeast, plains in north.
Average Temperatures: 
Month High Low
January 31° C 22° C
June 28° C 22° C
September 28° C 22° C
DOCUMENTS:  See Pre-Arrival Information and Customs.
APPROACHES:  Hydrographic Services:  The operation of the Hydrographic/Dredging Department of Nigerian Ports Authority which covers all four pilotage districts include but is not limited to channel maintenance, quarterly survey of the channels, maintenance of the navigational buoys, issuance and monitoring of permits and wreck removal.
Reports on changes in depths of channels alongside piers, new dangers (wrecks, sandbars), and other information in the approaches to harbours, as well as information on coastal waters which is obtained from ships sailing through national waters are also received.
Hydrographic services by Nigerian Ports Authority carries out the following statutory responsibilities:
  1. maintaining, improving and regulating the harbours and approaches in all the ports presently open to ocean-going vessels and in such other ports as may be designated by the Minister of Transport
  2. dredging to desired depths and providing, as well as maintaining lighting, lighthouses, buoys and other navigational aids in all Nigerian ports
  3. ensuring that hydrographic and bathymetric information is available easily, widely and equitably to all users
  4. all conservancy functions with respect to SOLAS requirements are coordinated from the department
  5. reports from activities of dredging, quarterly bathymetric surveys in the Channel Management Companies (LCC & BCC) are documented and monitored by the department
  6. the process and issuance of permits to survey, dredge, drill offshore, lay pipelines (routing), sandwining and positioning of rig movements as well as the promulgation of Notices to Mariners.
PILOTAGE:  Compulsory Pilotage Districts:  Pilotage is compulsory within the four Sea Pilotage Districts established within the Exclusive Economic Zones of the Nigerian coast. The four districts are encompassed within an area bounded by the following positions:
  • 04° 30.33′ N, 008° 24.12′ E
  • 04° 01.80′ N, 007° 20.37′ E
  • 03° 26.50′ N, 007° 24.42′ E
  • 03° 28.75′ N, 006° 00.00′ E
  • 04° 49.12′ N, 005° 00.00′ E
  • 06° 00.00′ N, 004° 30.00′ E
  • 06° 00.00′ N, 003° 10.00′ E
  • 06° 23.75′ N, 003° 10.00′ E
The four Sea Pilotage Districts are bound as follows:
  1. District A: All parts of the navigable area within the bounded block described in the first paragraph of this schedule and bounded by Long. 008° 24′ 07″ E and Long. 007° 24′ 25″ E.
  2. District B: All parts of the navigable area within the bounded block described in the first paragraph of this schedule and bounded by Long. 007° 24′ 25″ E and Long. 006° 00′ 00″ E.
  3. District C: All parts of the navigable area within the bounded block described in the first paragraph of this schedule and bounded by Long. 006° 00′ 00″ E and Long. 004° 30′ 00″ E.
  4. District D: All parts of the navigable area within the bounded block described in the first paragraph of this schedule and bounded by Long. 004° 30′ 00″ E and Long. 003° 10′ 00″ E.
PRE-ARRIVAL INFORMATION:  Agent should register the vessel with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) in order to obtain a Ship Entry Notice (SEN). This does not apply to vessels carrying petroleum products in bulk, or in ballast. Without a SEN the vessel cannot enter Nigerian territorial waters. Access to the online service for registered users can be found at sen.nigerianports.org/ShipAgentLogin.aspx#
In addition, information to be provided by ships and/or ship's Agent about ships demanding entry permission in Nigerian waters. This information shall be delivered at the Harbour Master of the first port of call in Nigeria, with a minimum anticipation of 72 hours. Ships not complying with this request may be denied entry permission and/or applied any other type of penalty:
  1. destination port(s) in Nigeria
  2. name of ship
  3. flag
  4. port of registry
  5. type of ship
  6. place of inspection (authorities)
  7. g.t.
  8. year of build
  9. call sign
  10. IMO number
  11. Classification Society
  12. ship's Agent
  13. owner
  14. management company
  15. ETA (day and hour)
  16. ETD (day and hour)
  17. name and rank of Company Security Officer
  18. actual ship security level
  19. declare any dangerous of hazardous cargo
  20. last 10 ports of call (name of port and port facility called at).
Long Range Identification and Tracking System - Reporting:  For Nigeria to fulfill its international obligation to carry out SAR activities, vessels are required to participate in the Long Range Identification and Tracking System (LRIT) - NIMASA. www.nimasa.gov.ng
Tankers:  Nigeria National Petroleum Council (NNPC) crude oil exports are programmed on a monthly basis; i.e. one month before the month of lifting. The one-month notice before lifting is necessary to enable the buyer to have sufficient time to charter a suitable vessel, either with respect to size, time of availability or directing of sailing at the time of fixture.
After receiving NNPC's advice of its crude allocation, the buyer is expected to nominate a vessel to NNPC not later than five working days to the first day of the laycan. The buyer's vessel nomination should contain such information as:
  1. name of vessel
  2. d.w.t.
  3. year built
  4. flag
  5. owner
  6. technical information such as draft, beam, LOA etc.
  7. nationality of the crew.
Vessel Clearance:  All the vessels nominated by NNPC's crude oil customers are cleared with the Terminal Operators and the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), before NNPC provides acceptance of such vessels.
The Terminal Operators give clearance for all vessels after ascertaining that such vessels are fit in all technical aspects to sail into the oil terminals. The Department of Petroleum Resources gives security and official clearance for all vessels coming into Nigerian oil terminals. After obtaining clearance from both entities and the NNPC has been advised, the NNPC then gives official clearance to its customers, hence the need to nominate vessels not later than five working days before the first day of the lifting laycan.
Prior to the arrival of the vessel into the oil terminal the following information must be provided to the Terminal Operator through the NNPC:
  1. vessel's expected time of arrival (ETA)
  2. buyer's nominated vessel agent
  3. customer's nominated inspector
  4. vessel's destination i.e. discharge port
  5. documentary instruction for the lifting.
Nigeria National Petroleum Council, NNPC Towers, Central Business District, Herbert Macaulay Way, PMB 190, Garki, Abuja.
Crude Oil Marketing Division, T: +234 (9) 4608 2500. [email protected] www.nnpcgroup.com/
Loading Operations:  Upon arrival at the loading terminal all vessels come under the control of the Terminal Operator from berthing, and hose connection to the moment the hoses are disconnected and the vessel unberths. During this period all vessels and Masters are bound by the rules and regulations prevailing in the terminals. Such rules include international safety rules, loading regulations and procedures.
The following parties and government agents are required to be present during all loading activities:
  1. Terminal Operator
  2. NNPC, Crude Oil Sales Dept.
  3. Dept. of Petroleum Resources representative
  4. buyer's appointed inspector
  5. Nigerian Customs Service
  6. officials of the Nigerian Port Authority
  7. officials of the National Maritime Authority
  8. officials of the Immigration Dept.
  9. officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.
POLLUTION:  The national Oil Spill Detection & Response Agency (NOSDRA), part of the Ministry of Environment. Housing and Urban Development, was established as the institutional framework for the implementation of the national oil spill contingency plan (NOSCP).
NOSDRA receives reports of oil spillages and coordinate oil spill response activities throughout Nigeria. In the event of a spill, NOSDRA may call upon Clean Nigeria Associates (CAN), an oil spill cooperative, to assist in the response.
The Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) is the regulatory authority responsible for shipping. Amongst other things, it provides air and coastal surveillance and receives and removes wrecks.
Each operating oil company is required by law to possess a contingency plan for the prevention, control and removal of spilled oil from its own facilities. In addition, CNA can be called upon by members when faced with spills beyond the capability of their own resources (usually above 2,000 bbls.).
Spill Notification Point:  National Oil Spill Detection & Response Agency (NOSDRA). M: +234 9461 86919. [email protected]
Competent National Authority:  Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA). M: +234 80603 64214. F: +234 (1) 775 7006.
Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR). M: +234 80655 06300. www.dprnigeria.com/
SURVEYORS:  Bureau Veritas. 6 Nzimiro Street, 1st Floor Amadi Flats, PO Box 10528, Port Harcourt. M: +234 8033230291. F: +234 (84) 238645.
DNV-GL. Plot 3 Chief MBA Close, Rumuogba Estate, Off Aba Road, Port Harcourt. M: +234 8034013822. [email protected]
Lloyd's Register EMEA. 6th Floor, B Wing, Shippers Plaza, 4 Park Lane, Lagos. T: +234 8075202572. F: +234 (1) 545 8682. [email protected]
EMERGENCY RESPONSE CENTRE:  The Nigerian Maritime Administration & Safety Agency (NIMASA) is responsible for coordinating search and rescue operations.
Lagos MRCC. T: +234 (1) 730 6618. M: +234 8030685167. Inmarsat C: 492052551. Inmarsat B-GAN: 772240598. MMS I: 006570010. [email protected]
PIRACY:  Lagos and Bonny River, pirates are violent, have attacked and robbed vessels, kidnapped crews along the coast and rivers, anchorages ports and surrounding waters. Vessels advised to be also vigilant in other parts of Nigeria. Heavily armed pirates are targeting ships while underway along the coast and river, at anchorages and ports. In some cases, crew members have been kidnapped. Ships are advised to take extra precautions.
Communications:  Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA). T: +234 545 2843. [email protected] www.nimasa.gov.ng/
Piracy Reporting Centre, Kuala Lumpur (PRC). T: +60 (3) 2031 0014. F: +60 (3) 2078 5769. [email protected] www.icc-ccs.org/
Situation Report (SITREP):  PRC Malaysia broadcasts SITREP reports to vessels at 0000 GMT via Inmarsat C (Satellite) EGC Safety Net. However, vessels in some parts of the world, that are not considered at risk from piracy, will not receive these messages.
HOLIDAYS:  1 January; Eid-al-Maulud; Good Friday; Easter Monday; 1 May (Labour Day); 29 May (Democracy Day); Ramadan, Eid-al-Fitri; 1 October (Independence Day); Eid-al-Kabir; Christmas Day; 26 December (Boxing Day).
BANKS:  Nigeria is mainly a cash economy although the use of credit and debit cards is increasing - especially in the big cities. If you intend to use cash, make sure you bring enough foreign currency to cover costs. It is illegal to change money on the street and travellers cheques are difficult to cash. Credit card fraud is common, so take care if using your card. You should take advice from your card issuer before travelling if you intend to use your credit or debit card in Nigeria.
CUSTOMS:  Pre-Arrival Processing:  Nigerian Customs Service has implemented a system for the submission of pre-arrival documentation electronically. NCS allows advance submission of import clearance documents by a trader electronically for advance processing and release of the goods on arrival at the Nigerian border.
NCS regulation [Act October 2010] provides for submission of electronic manifest to the NCS server before arrival of the carrying vessel to facilitate speedy release of goods. There is also qualification for pre-release or immediate release of goods based on their nature. Items that are qualified for such concessions include perishable items, industrial raw materials, medicament and sample for trade exhibition on temporary importation requiring bond to secure import duty.
Immediate release of high-value imports through facilitated clearance is secured on pre-arrival processing and fast track platform. This is enhanced through automation and “Simplified Clearance” with a guide to Trade and Customs Agents procedure for self-assessment and upfront e-payment or bonded.
Procedure:  The supporting software for automated pre-arrival processing by NCS in Nigeria is Nigeria Integrated Customs Information System [NICIS], which is based on a tripod: e-manifest, e-clearance, and e-transmission to enhance private sector participation in the e-commerce, as follows:
E-manifest:  Shipping companies are required to send their manifests to the NCS server electronically without any manual interference before arrival of ship or aircraft.
E-declaration:  Traders are required to make self declaration of their imports through automated facility called “Direct Trader Input” [DTI] interfacing with the NCS Server. This platform works 24/7.
E-payment:  This requires electronic payment of custom duty through the banks including electronic remittance to the Central Bank of Nigeria and electronic reconciliation of payments to the Federation Accounts. Confirmation of e-payment allows the trader to make electronic request for release of goods from customs control.
Guidelines and procedure to follow by the shipping line is outlined on the Nigeria Customs Service website at the following: www.customs.gov.ng/Guidelines/Destination_Inspection/index.php/ www.customs.gov.ng/Guidelines/eManifestProcedure/index.php/
Contacts:  Nigeria Customs Service Headquarters, Abidjan Street,Wuse, PMB 26, Zone 3, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory. T: +234 (9) 523 4694. F: +234 (9) 523 4964. [email protected] www.customs.gov.ng/
Zone A:  For areas Apapa, Mmia, Ogun, Osun, Oyo, Ondo, Ekiti, Tin-Can, Lilypond, Seme, Lagos, KLTC. Nigerian Customs Service, Harvey Road, Yaba, Lagos. T: +234 (1) 470 5576. [email protected]
Zone B:  For areas Kaduna, Katsina, Kano, Jigawa, Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, FCT. Nigerian Customs Service, Kaduna. T: +234 (62) 249423. [email protected]
Zone C:  For areas Abia, Imo, Anambra, Enugu, Ebonyi, Ph I, Onne, Edo, Delta, Cross River, EPZ, Akwa Ibom. Nigerian Customs Service, Port Harcourt. T: +234 (84) 231 6691. [email protected]
Zone D:  For areas Bauchi, Gombe, Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, Plateau, Nasarawa.
Nigerian Customs Service, Bauchi. T: +234 (77) 542894. [email protected]
SHORE LEAVE:  There is a high threat of kidnap throughout Nigeria. Recent terrorist kidnaps have occurred mostly in northern Nigeria, but could occur anywhere in Nigeria. Kidnaps can be for financial or political gain, and can be motivated by criminality or terrorism.
There are high levels of violent street crime (muggings, kidnappings, car-jackings and armed robbery) in the south of the country, even in comparatively safe areas of Lagos. You should therefore limit road travel at night as far as possible, including in Lagos. Be vigilant at all times. Where feasible you should avoid going out at night in Lagos and follow the security guidance offered by employers or hosts. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash and don’t wear valuable watches, jewellery or items of sentimental value.
If you suspect danger, move away to a safer area. If you’re unlucky enough to be caught up in an armed robbery, you should immediately comply with the attackers’ demands. Those who have suffered injury or worse during such attacks have been perceived as not complying fully or quickly enough. The vast majority of those who endure such attacks, and follow this advice, do so without lasting physical harm.
REPATRIATION:  Before considering any travel, take professional security advice. Be vigilant at all times, keep others informed of your travel plans and vary your routines. You should follow your employer’s security advice, make sure your accommodation is secure and review your security measures regularly.
Nigerian law requires that every non-Nigerian who wishes to enter and or reside in Nigeria and every company that employs or intends to employ non-Nigerians must comply with the regulations made under the Immigration Act 1990. The Nigeria Immigration Service administers the Act.
As in any other country, non-Nigerians who wish to enter Nigeria must obtain a visa. A Nigerian visa is obtainable from a Nigerian Diplomatic Mission in the country where the intending visitor is domiciled. Where there is no Mission in that country then the visa may be obtained from a Mission in the country nearest to the country of domicile.
Seafarers signing on/off require a Direct Transit Visa, which has a validity of 48 hours. The following are required in order to obtain a visa:
  1. a valid passport with minimum of 6 months validity
  2. a valid visa to onward destination outside Nigeria
  3. confirmed airline ticket to final destination
  4. evidence of sufficient funds for maintenance while in Nigeria or proof of other satisfactory arrangements for support while in Nigeria.
AUTHORITY:  Nigerian Maritime Administration and, Safety Agency (NIMASA), Maritime House, No. 4 Burma Road, Apapa, Nigeria. T: +234 545 2843, 545 0885. [email protected] www.nimasa.gov.ng
Head Office:  Nigerian Ports Authority, 26-28 Marina, PMB 125288, Lagos, Lagos State, Nigeria. T: +234 (1) 463 7496. [email protected] nigerianports.gov.ng