NIMASA Accredits 27 Shipyards Across Nigeria Towards Enforcing Global Safety and Quality Standards

The Nigerian maritime industry has taken a significant step toward global compliance and operational excellence as the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) announced the accreditation of 27 registered shipyards across the country.

According to the agency, this move is a critical part of its mandate to sanitise the sector, boost investor confidence, and ultimately position Nigeria as a regional maritime hub for vessel construction, dry-docking, and repairs.

The Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, who made the announcement, confirms that only these 27 facilities, out of many operating nationwide, have successfully met the agency’s stringent regulatory, safety, and operational standards.

This landmark accreditation, rooted in the legal authority granted by the NIMASA Act, 2007, and the Merchant Shipping Act, 2007, signifies a major regulatory push to enforce international best practices within Nigeria’s vast coastal and inland waters.

The newly accredited facilities are strategically distributed across Nigeria’s three major coastal states, reflecting the country’s key maritime operational zones: Lagos State -10 accredited shipyards, Rivers State – 8 accredited shipyards and Delta State – 9 accredited shipyards.

Dr. Mobereola highlighted that this distribution is a clear map of compliance, marking these 27 entities as the only shipyards currently authorized to conduct regulated shipbuilding and repair services that meet the required national and international safety benchmarks.

“Our goal is to ensure that every shipyard operating in Nigeria adheres to international standards of safety, environmental protection, and operational efficiency.

“By maintaining a transparent and credible register of accredited facilities, we are boosting investor confidence, protecting maritime assets, and promoting sustainable industry growth,” he stated.

This commitment emphasizes NIMASA’s dedication to aligning local operations with global best practices, moving the industry away from unregulated activities that pose environmental and safety risks.

One of the most significant and immediate benefits of this accreditation is the seamless integration of newly built Nigerian vessels into the global shipping system.

Vessels constructed at any of the 27 accredited facilities will now be eligible for a crucial international marker.

Keel Identification Number (KIN): At the time of construction, the vessel will be assigned a Keel Identification Number (KIN) by NIMASA’s Maritime Safety and Seafarers Standards Department.

This is a vital step in the shipbuilding process, confirming the vessel’s construction according to an approved plan and specification.

IMO Number Eligibility: The assignment of the KIN directly makes the vessel eligible to obtain an IMO Number (International Maritime Organization Number).

This unique identifier is assigned to ships for their lifetime, regardless of a change in name, flag, or owner, and is mandatory for nearly all large vessels engaged in international voyages.

This direct pathway to IMO number eligibility is seen as a game-changer for Nigerian shipyards, as it certifies that their construction methods meet international requirements, thus making Nigerian-built vessels more competitive and acceptable for global trade and registration under reputable flag administrations.

The Director General also confirmed that the verification and accreditation process is continuous, indicating that this initial list is not final, but rather the first phase of an ongoing drive for operational excellence across the entire maritime value chain.

The continuity of the process is aimed at ensuring all existing operators maintain the high standards required for safety, environmental protection, and quality service delivery in ship repair, dry-docking, and vessel construction.

NIMASA leveraging this transparent registry aims to enhance industry confidence, protect investments and align with global best practices.

The public and all maritime stakeholders are advised to consult the comprehensive list of accredited shipyards, available on the NIMASA website (https://nimasa.gov.ng /list-of-registered-and-licensed-shipyards/) to ensure they engage only with legally compliant and operationally sound facilities.

This measure is crucial for protecting maritime assets and supporting the growth of a safe and regulated indigenous shipping industry.

The accreditation of these 27 shipyards marks a robust commitment by the maritime regulator to enforce safety and streamline efficiency, paving the way for a more competitive and globally recognised Nigerian maritime sector.