Nigeria is to bar all overseas vessels from coastal business.
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has this week set out a plan to end cabotage waivers for foreign owners within two to five years.
The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) is also lining up a $200m facility to support domestic shipping.
The Cabotage Act was passed in 2003 to boost Nigerian companies, but foreign vessels can take part in coastal trade under tight conditions.