By Sandra Chukwunyere
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has taken a significant step towards ensuring safety and efficiency in Nigeria’s maritime industry by accrediting 27 registered shipyards.
This move is in line with the Agency’s statutory mandate to regulate, license, inspect, and enforce standards for shipyard operations in Nigeria, as enshrined in Section 22 of the NIMASA Act, 2007, and sections 335-339 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 2007.
A breakdown of the accredited shipyards reveals that 10 are located in Lagos State, 8 in Rivers State, and 9 in Delta State. These facilities have successfully met the Agency’s stringent regulatory, safety, and operational standards, demonstrating their commitment to excellence in ship repair, dry-docking, and vessel construction.
The accreditation process is a testament to NIMASA’s dedication to promoting transparency, safety, and quality service delivery in Nigeria’s maritime industry.
The Director General, NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, emphasized that the accreditation exercise is part of the Agency’s broader strategy to enhance safety and streamline operational efficiency in Nigeria’s maritime industry. According to him, the 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, NIMASA aims to boost investor confidence, protect maritime assets, and promote sustainable industry growth in Nigeria.
One of the key benefits of accreditation is that vessels built at these facilities will be assigned a Keel Identification Number (KIN) by NIMASA’s Maritime Safety and Seafarers Standards Department at the time of construction. This KIN will make such vessels eligible to obtain an IMO Number, further enhancing their credibility and safety profile. The verification and accreditation process is an ongoing one, aimed at ensuring operational excellence across Nigeria’s maritime value chain.
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 Nigeria. The Agency’s commitment to promoting safety and efficiency in the maritime industry is evident in its rigorous accreditation process, which has resulted in the certification of 27 shipyards nationwide. A comprehensive list of the accredited shipyards is available on the NIMASA website, providing stakeholders with easy access to this critical information.
The accreditation of 27 shipyards marks a significant milestone in NIMASA’s efforts to regulate and standardize shipyard operations in Nigeria. The Agency’s sustained commitment to promoting transparency, safety, and quality service delivery in Nigeria’s maritime industry is expected to have a positive impact on the nation’s economy and global reputation. With this development, Nigeria’s maritime industry is poised for growth and development, driven by safe and efficient shipyard operations.
The NIMASA accreditation process has set a new standard for shipyards in Nigeria, emphasizing the importance of safety, environmental protection, and operational efficiency. As Nigeria’s maritime industry continues to evolve, NIMASA’s role in regulating and standardizing shipyard operations will remain crucial in ensuring that the country’s maritime sector remains competitive and sustainable.
The list of accredited shipyards is a significant resource for stakeholders, providing valuable information on facilities that have met NIMASA’s stringent standards. By accessing this list, stakeholders can make informed decisions about shipyard operations, further enhancing the safety and efficiency of Nigeria’s maritime industry.https://nimasa.gov.ng/list-of-registered-and-licensed-shipyards
