Connect with us

Headlines

Nigeria gains prominence in standard maritime training capacity as NSML secures prestigious UK certification 

Funso OLOJO, Editor 
The NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Limited (NSMS) has placed Nigeria on a global map as a country with world class maritime training capacity with the certification of its Maritime Centre of Excellence (MCOE) by the UK Nautical institute.
It could be recalled that NSMS, the capacity – building arm of the Nigeria Liquified Natural Gas(NLNG) Limited, runs a word class maritime training institute called Maritime Centre of Excellence(MCOE) based at Bonny Island, Rivers State.
The institute, which has, over the years, deepened the Nigeria’s capacity in maritime industry through standardized training of professionals in the industry, recently secured a prestigious certification of its training programmes by the United Kingdom Nautical Institute.
Sharing the cheering news with newsmen on Thursday, June 4th, 2026 in Lagos, the Managing Director and Chief Executive officer of the NSML, Abdulkadir Ahmed, enthused that the certification from the UK Nautical Institute is a strong validation of the quality, rigour, and relevance of the training delivered at the Centre.
Ahmed further disclosed that the certification was a great milestone for the institute in particular and Nigeria’s maritime industry in general which, according to him, confirms that the MCOE meets internationally accepted standards for competence development and operational excellence.
He further stated that the UK certification was not the first global milestone attained by the institute as it has earlier secured the accreditation  by DNV under globally recognised standards, including ISO 9001:2015 for Quality Management Systems and the DNV-ST-0029 standards for Maritime Simulator and Training Centres.
“These certifications reinforce our commitment to quality, consistency, and excellence in training delivery” the NSML MD enthused.
Ahmed listed the significance of the certification of the MCOE by the UK Nautical institute

“It strengthens our global standing, certification by globally respected bodies affirms that the standard of training and expertise developed here in Nigeria can compete with the best anywhere in the world.

“It enhances the employability and mobility of Nigerian maritime professionals with internationally recognised training; our seafarers are better positioned to access opportunities across global fleets and offshore operations.

“It reinforces our commitment to building capacity locally, this milestone demonstrates clearly that world-class maritime training can be delivered here at home, reducing reliance on foreign institutions while raising national capability.

“It also reinforces safety and professionalism within the sector.

“The certifications obtained by the MCOE affirm that the professionals trained here meet high international expectations in performance, safety, and operational readiness.

“Beyond the industry, the impact is broader. A stronger maritime workforce contributes directly to trade, shipping, offshore operations, and the growth of Nigeria’s blue economy supporting job creation, productivity, and national competitiveness” the NSML MD declared.

He disclosed that the UK Nautical institute certification has now given the MCOE the license to deliver key Dynamic Positioning (DP) programmes which include  induction, simulator, revalidation, and vessel maintenance courses.
The Maritime Centre of Excellence is the  NSML’s hub for maritime training, research, and competence.
It was established as a one-stop centre for world-class maritime expertise which serves  Nigeria, West Africa, and the global maritime community.

The Centre is equipped with state-of-the-art simulators and modern training facilities designed to support the continuous professional development of seafarers and maritime professionals, with an expanding portfolio of both mandatory and specialised courses.

Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Headlines

Tope Fajemirokun, WABOTAN President, decries high cost of water transportation in Nigeria 

Funso OLOJO, Editor 

 

The President of the Waterfront Boat Owners and Transporters Association of Nigeria (WABOTAN), Mr. Tope Fajemirokun, has lamented the prohibitive cost of water transportation in Nigeria which he said has continued to discourage Nigerians from using this viable mode of transportation.

Fajemirokun make this observation during a live Radio broadcast in Lagos.
The WABOTAN President further disclosed that commuters pay more using water transportation than when using road transportation, a development which he feared was inimical to the growth of water transportation that he believed was a viable alternative to road transportation.
According to him, a commuter pays as high as N10,000 commuting on waters from Badagry to CMS, Lagos on two- way journey.
“The cost of water transportation remains high. For example, a commuter travelling from Badagry to CMS may spend about ₦5,000 each way, amounting to ₦10,000 daily on transportation alone.
” This is one of the major factors discouraging passengers from using the waterways. That is why we are appealing to government at all levels to invest more in the sector,” he added.
To bring the cost of water transportation down, Fajemirokun called on government to invest more on water transportation and also give assistance to private operators in the business.
He lamented that rising fuel prices have significantly affected the operations of boat owners and transporters, noting that the increase in fuel costs, coupled with prevailing economic challenges, has made it difficult for operators to acquire new boats and expand their businesses.
 “When you are in business, you must continue to improve and invest in it despite the challenges,” he said.
He also expressed appreciation to NIWA and LASWA for their commitment to maintaining safety standards on Nigeria’s waterways.
Fajemirokun further outlined several initiatives undertaken by WABOTAN to educate its members on safety practices ahead of the rainy season.
 “Since the beginning of the year, we have been educating our members on safety measures.
“We have conducted two safety induction programmes this year and are currently planning another one before August.

“With the support of my friend and brother, Frank Meke, the programme will bring together stakeholders, the media, and regulatory agencies to further strengthen safety awareness,” he stated.

The WABOTAN President noted that the association has implemented several safety measures in preparation for the rainy season and acknowledged the efforts of regulatory authorities in sensitizing operators and passengers.

 “A few months ago, LASWA invested significantly in clearing water hyacinth from Lagos waterways. Water hyacinth is a fast-growing aquatic plant that obstructs navigation and poses safety risks on waterways,” he explained.

Fajemirokun said WABOTAN has enjoyed strong cooperation from both LASWA and NIWA in promoting safety and regulatory compliance across the sector.

 “We have received tremendous support from LASWA and NIWA, and we are working closely with them.
“However, we remain particularly concerned about Rivers and Bayelsa States, where incidents on the waterways tend to increase during the rainy season due to their proximity to the Atlantic Ocean.

“With NIWA’s support, we are intensifying sensitization efforts in those states and across other parts of the country,” he said.

He added that several states are establishing their own waterway authorities and commended NIWA for providing guidance and support in that regard.

Speaking on the need to phase out unsafe banana and wooden boats, Fajemirokun called for greater government intervention and financial support for operators seeking to invest in safer and more modern vessels.

“The government needs to come to our aid, just as the Lagos State Government has been doing.

“Eliminating banana and wooden boats will be easier if government provides the necessary support and investment.

” State governments should also invest more in water transportation to ensure that Nigerians can fully benefit from the opportunities offered by the waterways,” he said.

He further urged government authorities to take a more active role in developing the water transportation sector, noting that the high cost of water travel discourages many commuters.

Also speaking on the programme, veteran maritime journalist Frank Meke acknowledged government efforts but stressed that more needs to be done to unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s water transportation system.”Our roads are heavily congested. As we speak, Apapa remains gridlocked. Imagine the impact if government invested more in water transportation.

” Sometimes, there appears to be more lip service than concrete action. The blue economy holds enormous potential.
” Look at the investments and sacrifices being made by associations like WABOTAN to strengthen the sector.

” Government agencies should demonstrate a similar level of commitment,” Meke said.

He also expressed concern about states such as Kwara, Niger, Benue, and Taraba, where waterways could serve as a more affordable and efficient means of transporting agricultural produce.

According to him, many farmers in these states need reliable and cost-effective transportation options to move their goods to market, making water transportation a viable alternative.

Meke called on the government to declare a state of emergency in the water transportation sector, emphasizing the need for alternative modes of transportation beyond road networks.

“Nigerians need efficient alternatives to road transport, and WABOTAN has played a significant role in advancing the sector.

“Government should provide soft loans to boat operators to enable them to acquire modern vessels.
“Investment should not be limited to boats alone; there is also a need for continuous training of boat captains, crew members, and even passengers.

” As the rainy season approaches, we must prepare adequately for emergencies,” he stated.

Fajemirokun concluded by urging all boat operators to prioritize safety at all times and ensure that passengers wear life jackets before embarking on any journey.

 “Safety must always come first. Boat operators and passengers should never neglect the use of life jackets, regardless of the distance of the journey,” he advised.
Continue Reading

Headlines

NIMASA seeks expertise of Malta to realize full automation of Nigeria’s ship registry

Funso OLOJO, Editor 
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has sought the assistance of the Malta to revamp the Nigeria’s ship registry for optimal efficiency.
Towards this end, the Director General of the agency, Dr Dayo Mobereola, held strategic discussions with the Registrar General of Shipping and Seamen of the Malta Ship Registry, Mr. Ivan Tabone, on knowledge sharing and capacity building to support the modernization of the Nigerian Ship Registry.

The engagement took place on the sidelines of the maritime exhibition, Posidonia 2026, in Athens, Greece.

The meeting focused on collaboration in ship registration processes, regulatory efficiency, digital transformation, and institutional best practices, with both parties exploring opportunities for technical cooperation to enhance the competitiveness of the Nigerian Ship Registry.

Speaking during the meeting, Dr. Mobereola reaffirmed NIMASA’s commitment to fully automate the Nigerian Ship Registry in line with international standards.

He noted that ongoing reforms are aimed at improving efficiency, increasing indigenous vessel registrations, boosting investor confidence, and positioning Nigeria as a leading maritime hub in Africa.

According to him, the Agency is building a transparent, technology-driven registry that supports the growth of Nigeria’s maritime sector and aligns with the vision of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy under the leadership of Adegboyega Oyetola.

The Malta Ship Registry is widely regarded as one of the world’s most successful ship registries, ranking as the largest merchant shipping register in Europe and among the top six globally by gross tonnage.

With more than 9,500 vessels under its flag, the registry is recognized for its strong legal framework, efficient administration, and adherence to international maritime standards.

Continue Reading

Headlines

Grimaldi faults report on sales of 2,500 empty containers, clarifies position on customs duty responsibility

Funso OLOJO, Editor 
Grimaldi Agency Nigeria has issued a clarification regarding reports concerning the sale of empty shipping containers by Grimaldi Deep Sea S.p.A.
In a statement issued on Wednesday,June 3rd, 2026, Grimaldi Agency Nigeria said claims suggesting that the seller was liable for customs duties following the sale of a few empty containers are inaccurate and inconsistent with the terms of sales.
The company also refuted reports that it sold 2,500 empty containers, describing such claims as false and unsupported by facts.
According to the company, empty containers were sold strictly in their international customs status, commonly referred to as a “foreign customs position”, and were not transferred as domesticated equipment intended for local use within Nigeria.
The agency explained that the terms of the sale were clearly outlined in the documentation provided to the purchaser.
The invoice expressly stated that the containers were being transferred in foreign customs position and that the buyer was meant to use the equipment solely for international carriage of goods without altering their original customs status.
Grimaldi further noted that the sales agreement specifically provided that if any local customs regulations required the containers to be regularised or domesticated for local use, such procedures would be carried out entirely at the buyer’s responsibility and expense.
The company emphasised that the arrangement reflects established international shipping practice, under which containers sold in foreign customs status are routinely purchased by traders, exporters and logistics operators for use as Shipper Owned Containers (SOC) in international trade.
Under this model, containers may continue to operate in international commerce without any change to their customs classification or status.
The company stressed that customs obligations generally arise only when a purchaser elects to convert the equipment for domestic purposes, including storage, construction projects or other local applications that require domestication under applicable customs regulations.
“In such circumstances, responsibility rests with the party changing the status and use of the equipment, namely the purchaser,” the statement said.
Grimaldi Agency Nigeria maintained that any customs duties, taxes, levies or related charges that may become payable as a result of a buyer’s decision to domesticate the containers cannot be attributed to the seller, as such obligations arise from actions taken after the completion of the sale.
Reaffirming its position, the company stated that Grimaldi Deep Sea S.p.A. has consistently conducted its operations in accordance with applicable international shipping standards, industry practices and the contractual terms agreed with its customers.
Grimaldi Agency Nigeria said the contractual obligations and responsibilities associated with the transaction were clearly defined from the outset and remain consistent with established principles governing international container trade.
Continue Reading

Trending