In a bid to ensure safe and secure shipping in Nigerian territorial waters, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has warned all owners of abandoned vessels to urgently remove them from Nigerian territorial waters on or before 28 April or risk sanctions ranging from forfeiture or removal by the Agency at the owner’s expense.

Director General of the Agency, Dr Dakuku Peterside stated this recently in Lagos and stressed the need to ensure that Nigeria’s waters remain safe for navigation in order to advance the country’s maritime interests.

He went on to warn that all abandoned ships would be declared as wrecks and the Agency would ensure that nothing impedes safe navigation in Nigeria’s waters.