Nigeria

Scope

Yacht arrivals in Nigeria involve multiple agencies: the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) manages port operations; the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) handles people and maritime border checks; the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) handles goods and Customs; and the Ministry of Health Port Health unit and Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS) handle relevant quarantine matters. The Immigration Service’s 2019–2023 maritime-border strategy lists several seaport border posts, but it is not a current list of yacht ports of entry. Confirm acceptance and agency arrangements port by port for foreign private yachts.

Ports of entry / departure

The Immigration Service maritime-border strategy listed Calabar, Oron, Lagos (Apapa and Tin Can), Onne, Port Harcourt and Sapele/Warri as seaport passenger-border posts. The strategy covered 2019–2023 and does not confirm that these locations currently clear private yachts. The Immigration Act requires vessels to use an approved port of entry. Before sailing, confirm yacht entry locations, duty coverage and berthing with NPA, Immigration and Customs.

Arrival notification

Current NPA vessel-arrival information requires all vessels to submit a Ship Entry Notice through e-SEN, generally at least 48 hours before arrival. Listed items include manifests, stowage plan, IMO number and cargo information. The public page does not explain whether non-commercial private yachts are exempt from some commercial/cargo requirements. Ask NPA at the destination port and the agent whether the 48-hour deadline applies to the yacht, which documents are required and how to obtain confirmation of filing.

Immigration

Sections 24–25 of Nigeria’s Immigration Act 2015 cover approved ports of entry. If a vessel arrives at an unapproved location, the master must report to the nearest Immigration office, and no one aboard may disembark without the Immigration Officer’s permission. The Immigration Service maritime-border unit handles crew and maritime personnel checks. Visa eligibility varies by nationality and purpose; each crew member should check visa status and confirm the required list, documents and shore-leave permission before arrival.

Vessel customs

Vessels must follow NPA arrival notification and port-operation procedures; NCS handles cargo declarations, duties and restricted/prohibited goods. NPA says arrivals involve joint processing by Customs, Immigration, Port Health and other agencies, and applicable fees and regulatory procedures must be completed before departure. A temporary-import period, security requirement or simplified document list for foreign private yachts was not verified. Ask NCS and the intended port what vessel registration, crew list, logbook and onboard-goods declarations are required.

Quarantine and biosecurity

The Ministry of Health Port Health unit is responsible for boarding inspections, environmental health and related surveillance. Official information says vessel operators must submit passenger health information, report sick people and carry a valid Ship Sanitation Certificate (stated validity: six months). NAQS inspects plants, animals, live animals and fishery products. Available sources do not fully explain private-yacht procedures for food, pets and waste; confirm applicable documents, declarations and handling with Port Health and NAQS before arrival.

Restricted and prohibited items

Section 55 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 allows imports and exports to be restricted or prohibited for public safety/morality, food supply, human/animal/plant health, environmental protection, antiquities, foreign exchange and CITES-related reasons. Schedule 4 of the Common External Tariff lists prohibited-import categories. Cargo lists do not directly replace rules for private yacht stores. Confirm and declare firearms, medicines, animal/plant products, onboard alcohol and other controlled items against the current Customs list, including whether they may remain aboard or be landed.

Port procedures

NPA vessel information requires advance arrival reporting through e-SEN and says arrival involves joint inspection by port operations, Customs, Immigration and Port Health. Port entry/exit may also involve pilotage, tugs, berth authorization and settlement of departure charges. NPA’s page says to monitor VHF 12, 14 and 16 when approaching port limits, but use the channel directed by Port Control at the intended port. The page does not explain exemptions or simplified procedures for non-commercial yachts; contact NPA, Immigration, Customs and health authorities before sailing.

Fees and departure

NPA’s published port-tariff document lists vessel dues, port dues, berth/mooring, pilotage and tug services, but is marked 2019; current rates and applicability to private yachts have not been confirmed. NPA vessel information requires voyage accounts and applicable charges to be settled before departure but gives no uniform fee for foreign private yachts. Request a current written estimate from the intended port and agent, and confirm Customs, port and agency charges and departure-release documents. Yacht-specific amounts remain unverified.