Nigerian Cabotage Regime was introduced by the Coastal and Inland Shipping (CABOTAGE) Act No 5, 2003, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria. The aim of the Act is to empower Nigerian Shipping industry and give the indigenous shipowners the competitive edge over their well established foreign competitors. However, after eight years of singing the Act into law (since the Act took effect from 2004), it is not clear whether the Act has taken off or it is yet to take off. It has become one of the most criticised Nigerian Act in recent times; so much so that NIMASA the Administrative home of Nigeria’s maritime industry has not only condemned the Act but has contributed to the call for its amendment.