NSML boosts local maritime capacity with international skill sets

NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Limited (NSML) has reaffirmed its commitment to domesticating international maritime skill sets, to highlight its dedication to developing a world-class maritime industry in Nigeria. This renewed pledge is part of NSML’s broader strategy to bridge the skills gap in the maritime sector, foster local content development, and reduce the country’s […]

NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Limited (NSML) has reaffirmed its commitment to domesticating international maritime skill sets, to highlight its dedication to developing a world-class maritime industry in Nigeria.

This renewed pledge is part of NSML’s broader strategy to bridge the skills gap in the maritime sector, foster local content development, and reduce the country’s reliance on foreign expertise. 

By domesticating international maritime skill sets, NSML aims to create a pool of highly skilled Nigerian seafarers, engineers, and other maritime professionals.

According to industry experts, Nigeria’s maritime sector is facing significant challenges, including a shortage of skilled personnel, inadequate training facilities, and limited access to cutting-edge technology. 

The company’s Managing Director, Abdulkadir Ahmed emphasized the importance of developing local capacity in the maritime sector.

“We believe that Nigeria has the potential to become a major player in the global maritime industry,” he said, adding, “However, this can only be achieved if we develop the necessary skills and expertise locally.”

Speaking on the strategic importance of the sector, Ahmed described the marine and blue economy as a vast, untapped resource for Nigeria that requires collective action to fully harness. 

Abdulkadir Ahmed stated this during the 2025 NSML Performance Recognition & Awards ceremony held on Thursday at Bonny Island, Rivers State. 

The event, organised annually by NSML celebrates and rewards excellence in safety, reliability, and service delivery across the organization’s staff, stakeholders and partners. 

NSML’s domestication initiative is expected to have far-reaching benefits for the Nigerian economy, including job creation, increased revenue generation, and improved competitiveness in the global maritime market.

He emphasized that with Nigeria’s population exceeding 250 million- and over 50 percent under the age of 30- the youth represent the most critical assets for the nation’s maritime future. 

His words, “The marine and blue economy is an untapped resource, and I’ve always said this- Nigeria with a population of over 250 million people, over 50% of course below the age of 30, we need to really tap into the youth population. And for us in NSML, the purpose of creating NSML was really around domesticating international maritime skill sets locally, so we can provide opportunities for Nigerians to participate in that. 

“We are a coastal nation and there’s a lot we can achieve in the international maritime sector, but we all need to work together with that particular purpose in mind.” 

Reflecting on the organization’s performance in 2025, the MD described the year as a successful one for NSML defined by three strategic imperatives: Safety, Reliability, and Value. 

He noted that shipping acts as an essential enabler for global industry and NSML’s ability to deliver cargoes efficiently worldwide is a testament to its operational excellence. 

He attributed the year’s success to the workforce, stating that every achievement recorded in 2025 was made possible because of the dedication, professionalism and resilience each staff member brought to the table. 

The award ceremony featured several categories including Contract Manager of the Year, Terminal Safety Man of the Year (Marine), Most Energy Efficient Tugboat of the Year and Vessel with Highest Number of Preventable Reports among others.

Aside from employees and private sector partners, government agencies including the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency ( NIMASA), Nigerian Ports Authority ( NPA), Port Health Service and Department of State Service also bagged various categories of awards.