Uche Cecil Izuora
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has officially accredited 27 registered shipyards across Nigeria.
The exercise further reinforced its mandate under the NIMASA Act, 2007, and the Merchant Shipping Act, 2007. This accreditation verifies compliance with stringent regulatory, safety, and operational standards.
Of the 27 accredited shipyards, 10 are in Lagos State, 8 in Rivers State, and 9 in Delta State.
According to NIMASA’s Director General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, the accreditation exercise promotes transparency, operational efficiency, and investor confidence, while advancing sustainable growth in the maritime sector.
The accreditation ensures vessels built at these facilities receive a Keel Identification Number (KIN) from NIMASA’s Maritime Safety and Seafarers Standards Department, enabling them to qualify for an International Maritime Organization (IMO) number.
Dr. Mobereola emphasized that this ongoing verification process aligns local shipyard operations with international standards, enhances industry confidence, protects investments, and fosters quality in ship repair, dry-docking, and vessel construction.
This initiative is a vital step toward ensuring Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure supports sustainable industry growth and global best practices.