Abstract
Since the inception of the Cabotage policy in Nigeria through the enactmentm of the Nigerian Coastal and Inland Shipping (Cabotage) Act, Cap 51, LFN, 2004 smooth and beneficial implementation in favour of Nigerians has been in issue. Various challenges have been identified, yet no far reaching solution has been adopted to make the policy a reality. The law as enacted, and in conjunction with other existing laws in the maritime industry can be said ton be the principal factors militating against the policy. In view of the numerous challenges endangering the attainment of the goals of this policy, there is need to formulate an all-embracing legal and institutional framework, being a conspectus or a survey of legal requirements necessary for the repositioning of the Nigerian Maritime Cabotage Laws. In doing this, regards shall be had to the examination of some regulatory factors to underscore the related inadequacies of current framework and the provision of legal commitments necessary for proper review and enactment of a more suitable beneficial policy for the country. It is therefore necessary to recommend such factors like policy, legal regime, organizational structure, institutional framework adaptation of salutary foreign practices among others will be considered as a package to review, enact and beneficially execute the maritime policy for the good and advantage of Nigerian operators in cabotage trade. The Act therefore requires an in-depth overhauling and review to give to Nigeria and Nigerians the conducive environment needed for participation in the Nigerian maritime Cabotage business.
Keywords: Transportation, Marine Industry, Ships, Repositioning, Ports, Cabotage policy.