The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has underscored the urgency of addressing fraudulent ship registrations and countries’ registries, emphasising strict adherence to high-quality shipping standards is crucial for regulatory enforcement.
This is just as the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has sought the support of NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Limited (NSML) to enhance the country’s ship registry and implement a globally recognised framework.
The Secretary-General of IMO, Arsenio Dominguez, during the 112th session of the IMO Legal Committee (LEG 112), taking place from March 24 to 28, 2025, emphasised the need for member states to eliminate fraudulent ship registrations and registries to uphold global shipping standards.
He stressed the importance of maintaining high shipping standards to ensure compliance with IMO regulations.
“The Committee will be discussing a new proposed output to develop guidelines or best practices for ship registration. I believe this is a timely opportunity to enhance performance and transparency in global compliance with IMO instruments,” Dominguez stated.
The move to enhance Nigeria’s registry aligns with its broader strategy to attract more vessel registrations, strengthen its maritime industry, and position itself as a major player in global shipping.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NSML, Abdulkadir Ahmed, emphasised the importance of making Nigeria’s ship registry internationally competitive.
“The essence of a registry lies in its global recognition, ensuring that vessels registered under it can freely operate across international waters and be accepted for trade. One of the steps we are taking to improve Nigeria’s ship registry is supporting NIMASA in establishing a framework that enhances its acceptability,” Ahmed stated.
He added that significant improvements are expected in the coming weeks and months as discussions progress.
Additionally, Ahmed highlighted NSML’s role in enhancing Nigeria’s ship registry, stressing that efforts are underway to ensure its international recognition and acceptability.
In another development, the IMO and Nigeria have called on member states to take decisive steps in strengthening legal protections for seafarers.
Dominguez highlighted the increasing cases of seafarers being detained on suspicion of crimes, expressing concern over the impact on morale and the attractiveness of maritime careers.
“Unfortunately, incidents of unjust treatment of seafarers are on the rise, posing a significant challenge to the sustainability of shipping,” he said.
To address this, the IMO Legal Committee is set to adopt the Guidelines on the Fair Treatment of Seafarers Detained in Connection with Alleged Crimes, developed by the Joint IMO-International Labour Organisation (ILO) Tripartite Working Group.
Dominguez reaffirmed IMO’s collaboration with the ILO, the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), and other stakeholders to resolve existing cases of detained crew members, urging member states to play an active role in shaping fair and just policies.
At the 353rd session of the ILO Governing Body, Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, advocated for the formal designation of seafarers as key workers.
He emphasised that such recognition would ensure legal protection for seafarers, port workers, pilots and marine surveyors under ILO and IMO conventions as well as guarantee priority access to medical care, vaccines, and mobility rights during public health crises and emergencies.
Oyetola noted that it would also promote fair and equitable treatment in labour contracts, ensuring compliance with the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC 2006).
“We recognise that the world’s economy depends heavily on seafarers and maritime professionals who operate vessels, facilitate port operations, and ensure seamless trade across international waters. However, these key workers often face challenges such as unfair employment conditions, restricted mobility, and inadequate welfare provisions – issues exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Oyetola stated.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to collaborating with global stakeholders to drive policies that prioritise the welfare, dignity, and protection of seafarers and port workers.
“Nigeria stands ready to work closely with all partners to ensure a better future for shipping, global supply chains, and maritime labour policies,” he concluded.
