By Sandra Chukwunyere
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the Malta Ship Registry have commenced discussions on a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing the efficiency and global competitiveness of Nigeria’s ship registration system.
The talks took place between the Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, and the Registrar General of Shipping and Seamen of the Malta Ship Registry, Mr. Ivan Tabone, on the sidelines of Posidonia 2026, the international maritime exhibition currently underway in Athens, Greece.
The meeting focused on knowledge sharing, capacity building, digital transformation, regulatory efficiency, and the adoption of global best practices to support ongoing reforms of the Nigerian Ship Registry.
Speaking during the engagement, Dr. Mobereola reiterated NIMASA’s commitment to the full automation of the Nigerian Ship Registry in line with international standards.
He said the reforms are designed to improve service delivery, increase indigenous vessel registration, boost investor confidence, and position Nigeria as a leading maritime hub in Africa.
According to him, the Agency is working towards establishing a transparent and technology-driven registry that will support the growth of Nigeria’s maritime sector while aligning with the vision of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy under the leadership of the Minister, Adegboyega Oyetola, CON.
The Malta Ship Registry is widely regarded as one of the world’s most successful ship registries. It is the largest merchant shipping register in Europe and ranks among the top six globally by gross tonnage. With more than 9,500 vessels under its flag, the registry is recognised for its strong legal framework, efficient administration, and strict compliance with international maritime standards.
In a statement signed by Osagie Edward, Deputy Director and Head of Public Relations at NIMASA, the Agency described the engagement as part of its broader efforts to strengthen institutional capacity, improve operational efficiency, and align Nigeria’s ship registration processes with global best practices.This version reads more naturally as a maritime news report and is suitable for online publication.
