The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has accredited 27 registered local and foreign-owned shipyards across the country, aiming to promote safety and quality service delivery in ship repair, dry-docking, and vessel construction.
According to the agency, this accreditation is in accordance with its mandate enshrined in Section 22 of the NIMASA Act, 2007, and Sections 335–339 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 2007, which give it statutory powers to regulate, license, inspect and enforce standards for shipyard operations in Nigeria.
Out of the 27 accredited facilities, 10 are located in Lagos State, 8 in Rivers State, and 9 in Delta State. The agency stated that these are the only shipyards that have so far complied with the stringent regulatory, safety, and operational standards.
Releasing the list of accredited shipyards in Lagos to the media yesterday, through the Deputy Director/Head, Public Relations, Osagie Edward, the Director General of NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola, emphasised that the accreditation exercise forms part of the Agency’s broader drive to enhance safety and streamline operational efficiency in the maritime industry.
“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. This underscores the Agency’s sustained commitment to promoting transparency, safety, and quality service delivery in ship repair, dry-docking, and vessel construction within Nigeria,” Mobereola stated.
He said vessels to be built at these accredited facilities will be assigned a Keel Identification Number (KIN) by the Agency’s Maritime Safety and Seafarers Standards Department at the time of construction, in accordance with the “Certificate of Plan and Specification Approval.”
According to him, this KIN will make such vessels eligible to obtain an IMO Number.
He said the verification and accreditation process is a continuous one, aimed at ensuring operational excellence across the nation’s maritime value chain.
Mobereola said that by maintaining an updated and transparent registry of accredited facilities, NIMASA seeks to enhance industry confidence, protect investments, and align local operations with global best practices.
In August, NIMASA directed all ships operating in Nigerian waters to adhere strictly to the provisions of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) Annex VI, which addresses the prevention of air pollution from vessels.
The directive, grounded in the Merchant Shipping Act of 2007 under which Nigeria domesticated MARPOL Annex VI, was reiterated by NIMASA Director General Dr. Dayo Mobereola. He emphasised that compliance is mandatory and forms part of Nigeria’s ongoing effort to align its maritime operations with global standards on safety, security, and environmental protection.
“In line with our statutory mandate under the NIMASA Act 2007 and the Merchant Shipping Act 2007, we have issued a Marine Notice to guide shipowners, charterers, and shipping companies on their obligations,” Dr. Mobereola said. “While we encourage shipping businesses in Nigeria, we remain committed to ensuring that international standards are not compromised.”
