FG accredits 27 indigenous shipyards

The Federal Government of Nigeria has granted accreditation to 27 indigenous shipyards, marking a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to develop its maritime industry. The accreditation, which was announced by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), is expected to boost local capacity in shipbuilding and repair, as well as promote indigenous participation […]

The Federal Government of Nigeria has granted accreditation to 27 indigenous shipyards, marking a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to develop its maritime industry.

The accreditation, which was announced by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), is expected to boost local capacity in shipbuilding and repair, as well as promote indigenous participation in the maritime sector.

The accredited shipyards underwent a rigorous evaluation process to ensure they met the required standards for shipbuilding and repair.

The accreditation would enable the shipyards to participate in the construction and repair of vessels, including those used for cabotage trade.

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The development is seen as a major boost to the Nigerian maritime industry, which has been dominated by foreign players.

The accreditation is expected to create employment opportunities and stimulate economic growth in the sector.

The Cabotage Act, which was enacted in 2003, is one of such initiatives. The Act reserves domestic coastal trade for Nigerian-owned and flagged vessels, and provides incentives for indigenous shipowners and shipbuilders.

Osagie Edward, Head, Public Relations at NIMASA, in a statement issued on Sunday disclosed that the 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 gives the Agency statutory powers to regulate, license, inspect and enforce standards for shipyard operations in Nigeria.

Osagie disclosed that out of the 27 accredited facilities, 10 are located in Lagos State, eight in Rivers State, and nine in Delta State.

According to him, the 27 facilities are the only shipyards that have so far complied with the Agency’s stringent regulatory, safety, and operational standards.

While releasing the list of accredited shipyards in Lagos, the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, emphasized 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.

As a direct benefit of this accreditation, vessels to be built at these 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”.

This KIN will make such vessel eligible to obtain an IMO Number.

The verification and accreditation process is a continuous one, aimed at ensuring operational excellence across the nation’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.

A comprehensive list of the accredited shipyards has been published on the NIMASA website.