In a significant stride toward revitalizing Nigeria's maritime sector, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has officially accredited 27 registered shipyards scattered across the country. This accreditation initiative underscores NIMASA's unwavering commitment to elevating safety protocols, streamlining operational efficiencies, and enforcing stringent compliance measures within the nation's bustling maritime industry. The move is poised to foster a more robust, transparent, and internationally competitive shipbuilding and repair ecosystem, ultimately contributing to Nigeria's economic diversification beyond oil dependency.
The announcement was detailed in an official statement released by NIMASA's Deputy Director and Head of Public Relations, Osagie Edward, FNIPR. According to Edward, the accreditation process was meticulously conducted in strict adherence to Section 22 of the NIMASA Act, 2007, alongside Sections 335–339 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 2007. These legal provisions grant NIMASA the authoritative mandate to regulate, license, inspect, and enforce high standards for all shipyard operations operating within Nigerian waters and territories. This regulatory framework ensures that shipyards not only meet national benchmarks but also align with international maritime conventions, thereby safeguarding lives, protecting the environment, and promoting sustainable practices.
A breakdown of the accredited facilities reveals a strategic geographic distribution that mirrors the concentration of maritime activities in key coastal and riverine regions. Of the 27 shipyards, 10 are situated in Lagos State, the commercial nerve center of Nigeria and home to the nation's busiest ports, including Apapa and Tin Can Island. Rivers State, encompassing the oil-rich Niger Delta hub of Port Harcourt, hosts 8 accredited facilities, while Delta State, another pivotal area for offshore operations and inland waterways, accounts for the remaining 9. This regional spread ensures that shipbuilding and repair services are accessible in areas with high demand for vessel maintenance, construction, and retrofitting, particularly in support of the oil and gas sector, fishing industry, and cargo transportation.
Each of these 27 shipyards underwent rigorous evaluations to confirm compliance with NIMASA's exacting criteria. Assessments covered a wide array of factors, including structural integrity of facilities, availability of qualified personnel, adherence to safety protocols, environmental management systems, and operational capabilities. Only those demonstrating full conformity were granted accreditation. This vetting process is not a one-off event; NIMASA has emphasized that verification and accreditation will be an ongoing endeavor, subject to periodic reviews and unannounced inspections to maintain excellence throughout the maritime value chain.
The accreditation list was unveiled during a formal event in Lagos, where Dr. Dayo Mobereola, the Director General of NIMASA, elaborated on the broader implications of this milestone. Dr. Mobereola described the exercise as a cornerstone of a comprehensive strategy aimed at instilling transparency, guaranteeing safety, and delivering superior quality services across the maritime domain. "Our goal is to ensure that every shipyard operating in Nigeria adheres to international standards of safety, environmental protection, and operational efficiency," he asserted. "By maintaining a transparent and credible register of accredited facilities, we are boosting investor confidence, protecting maritime assets, and promoting sustainable industry growth."
Dr. Mobereola's remarks highlight the multifaceted benefits of the accreditation. For investors, both domestic and foreign, the existence of a verified registry mitigates risks associated with substandard operations, encouraging capital inflows into shipyard expansions and technological upgrades. Maritime assets, including vessels and offshore platforms, stand to gain enhanced protection through standardized repair and construction practices that minimize accidents, oil spills, and structural failures. On the sustainability front, accredited shipyards are required to implement eco-friendly measures, such as proper waste disposal, emission controls, and the use of non-toxic materials, aligning with global efforts to combat marine pollution and climate change.
A innovative feature of the new accreditation framework is the introduction of the Keel Identification Number (KIN). Administered by NIMASA's Maritime Safety and Seafarers Standards Department, the KIN will be assigned to vessels at the keel-laying stage—the foundational phase of ship construction—within these accredited shipyards. This unique alphanumeric code serves as a precursor to obtaining an International Maritime Organization (IMO) Number, a globally recognized identifier mandatory for vessels engaged in international trade. The IMO Number ensures lifelong traceability of a ship, facilitating regulatory oversight, insurance processes, and anti-piracy measures. By integrating KIN into the construction pipeline, NIMASA is effectively bridging local shipbuilding with international maritime governance, enabling Nigerian-built vessels to seamlessly participate in global shipping networks.
This traceability mechanism is particularly crucial in an era where maritime security threats, such as piracy in the Gulf of Guinea, remain prevalent. Vessels with verifiable origins and compliance histories are less likely to face detentions at foreign ports, reducing operational downtimes and financial losses for shipowners. Furthermore, it positions Nigeria as a reliable player in the international shipbuilding market, potentially attracting contracts for building ferries, tankers, and specialized offshore support vessels.
NIMASA's proactive stance extends beyond mere accreditation. The agency has pledged to sustain an updated, publicly accessible registry of these facilities, accessible via its official channels. This transparency initiative is designed to empower stakeholders—ranging from shipowners and operators to regulatory bodies and international partners—to make informed decisions. It also serves as a deterrent against unauthorized or subpar operations, as non-accredited shipyards risk sanctions, including closures and legal penalties.
The accreditation drive aligns with Nigeria's broader maritime policy objectives, including the Cabotage Act of 2003, which seeks to empower indigenous players in coastal and inland shipping. By bolstering local shipyards, NIMASA is indirectly supporting job creation, skill development, and technology transfer. Thousands of welders, engineers, naval architects, and support staff stand to benefit from increased activity in these facilities. Moreover, it reduces the country's reliance on foreign shipyards for repairs and new builds, conserving foreign exchange and strengthening the naira.
Industry experts have hailed the move as timely, especially amid global supply chain disruptions and rising freight costs. With the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in full swing, accredited Nigerian shipyards could emerge as regional hubs for vessel maintenance serving West and Central African nations. This could spur intra-African trade in maritime services, fostering economic integration.
In reaffirming its dedication, NIMASA stressed that the accreditation process is dynamic and inclusive. Shipyards that fell short in this round are encouraged to rectify deficiencies and reapply, with guidance provided by the agency. Future phases may expand to include more facilities in other states, such as Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, and Cross River, as maritime infrastructure develops.
Ultimately, NIMASA's accreditation of these 27 shipyards marks a pivotal chapter in Nigeria's maritime renaissance. By enforcing global best practices, the agency is not only safeguarding the industry but also unlocking its potential as a driver of national prosperity. As Dr. Mobereola aptly put it, this is about building a maritime sector that is safe, efficient, and globally respected—one vessel at a time.
