Merchant Shipping Act, 2007

This Act makes provision with respect to shipping and the registration, licensing and marking of ships in Nigeria. It also contains provisions relative to the carriage of dangerous good by ships and the prevention of pollution from ships.
The agency of Government established to be responsible for Maritime Safety Administration and Security shall be the implementing agency for this Act. The Minister may, from time to time give to the Agency such general directions, not inconsistent with the provisions of this Act or any Regulations made under this Act, on the policy to be pursued in the Administration of Maritime Safety, as the Minister may consider necessary. No ship shall operate commercially in or from the waters of Nigeria unless the ship is a registered Nigerian ship and meets other requirements as defined by this Act.
As for marine pollution, from the commencement of this Act, provisions of specified International Conventions and Agreements shall apply. The Minister shall, subject to the provisions of this Act and any other law or Convention for the time being in force relating to the Prevention of Pollution from Ships have responsibility for the prevention of pollution of marine environment from ships. The Act provides for certain matters of maritime liens in relation with liability for pollution.