The Tugboat, Fuel Barges, and Seagoing Vessel Association of Nigeria (TUBAVS) has unveiled measures to support the Federal Government’s fight against sea piracy and illegal oil bunkering.
The association directed the immediate verification, censorship and stricter control of all marine vessels and craft operating on Nigeria’s coastal and inland waterways.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, TUBAVS fixed August 15 to November 30, 2026, for the nationwide regulation and verification exercise.
The statement was signed by the association’s Legal Adviser, Tonye D. Wilson.
TUBAVS described itself as the umbrella body for tugboat, fuel barge and seagoing vessel operators, promoting safety standards, professional networking and responsible marine operations.
The association said the initiative was aimed at strengthening national efforts against illegal bunkering, maritime crime and other threats to security on Nigerian waters.
Key Highlights:
- TUBAVS launched a vessel verification exercise to fight piracy and illegal bunkering.
- The exercise will run from August 15 to November 30, 2026.
- All vessels operating on Nigerian waters must register and verify ownership.
- Verified vessels will receive Unique Vessel Identification Numbers.
- The move aims to improve maritime security and safety.
According to the statement, the exercise will cover tankers, barges, tugboats, fishing vessels, workboats, houseboats, service boats, landing craft, patrol boats and vessels engaged in fuel transportation, storage and ship-to-ship operations.
Wilson said the directive became necessary because of increasing incidents of illegal bunkering and their impact on national security, government revenue, maritime safety and the environment.
He said the exercise aligns with relevant provisions of the Suppression of Piracy and Other Maritime Offences Act, 2019.
The association directed all affected operators to complete the registration and verification of their vessels within 90 days through the union’s official registration channels.
TUBAVS said vessel owners must provide a Certificate of Registry or proof of ownership, Tonnage Certificate, list of vessels owned by each company, and valid operator licences issued by the relevant regulatory agencies.
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The required licences include those issued by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), alongside other statutory approvals.
The association said every successfully verified vessel would receive a Unique Vessel Identification Number (UVIN).
It added that the UVIN and vessel name must be prominently displayed on both the bow and stern of each vessel in line with specifications issued by the association and applicable laws.
TUBAVS expressed confidence that the exercise would improve vessel identification, enhance regulatory compliance and strengthen collaboration with security agencies in safeguarding Nigeria’s waterways.
