Uche Cecil Izuora
The Maritime Centre of Excellence (MCOE), operated by the NlNG Shipping and Marine Services Limited (NSML), is offering maritime training opportunities for young Nigerians in a move to further strengthening the Maritime Centre of Excellence and deepening partnerships that align with international standards.
The company flags the ambition to build a maritime institution that Nigeria is proud of, and one that is respected across the global maritime community.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NSML, Abdulkadir Ahmed, who made the remarks also announced that the company has secured international certification from the United Kingdom (UK) Nautical Institute to enhance Nigeria’s global maritime training capacity and competitiveness of Nigerian seafarers.
He disclosed this at a press conference in Lagos yesterday, saying the achievement would strengthen Nigeria’s position in the global maritime industry and affirm the competitiveness of the country’s standard of training and expertise.
Ahmed explained that internationally recognised certifications would improve the employability and mobility of Nigerian maritime professionals, enabling them to access opportunities in global shipping fleets and offshore operations.
He added that the certification would also reduce reliance on foreign training institutions while supporting local capacity development and reinforcing safety, professionalism and operational readiness within the maritime sector.
Ahmed disclosed that the licence by the UK Nautical Institute would enable MCOE to deliver key Dynamic Positioning (DP) programmes, including induction, simulator, revalidation and vessel maintenance courses.
He said, “The Maritime Centre of Excellence (MCOE) NSML’s hub for maritime training, research, and competence development has successfully secured international certification from the UK Nautical Institute.” Ahmed excitedly said.
Established as a one-stop centre for world-class maritime expertise, MCOE operates from Bonny Island, Rivers State, serving 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.
This latest certification from the UK Nautical Institute is a strong validation of the quality, rigour, and relevance of the training delivered at the Centre and confirms that the MCOE meets internationally accepted standards for competence development and operational excellence.
Importantly, Ahmed said, this is not the first recognition of its kind, The MCOE is already accredited 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 its commitment to quality, consistency, and excellence in training delivery.
According to him, Building on this foundation, the MCOE is now licensed by the UK Nautical Institute to deliver key Dynamic Positioning (DP) programmes, including induction, simulator, revalidation, and vessel maintenance courses. Today, the Centre stands as one of the institutes in West Africa with this level of Nautical Institute accreditation for DP training.
In addition, the MCOE delivers a range of specialised courses accredited by the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) widely regarded as the gold standard in maritime training globally.
These include programmes in Gas Tanker Operations, Dynamic Positioning, Human Element Leadership and Management, ECDIS, and High Voltage Training at both operational and management levels.
He said the achievement is particularly significant for Nigeria as 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 also enhances the employability and mobility of Nigerian maritime professionals with internationally recognised training as seafarers are better positioned to access opportunities across global fleets and offshore operations.
In addition it reinforces the company’s 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.
Also, it reinforces safety and professionalism within the sector. Maritime operations demand discipline, technical competence, and continuous learning.
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.
“Let me emphasise that this achievement is the result of deliberate and sustained effort, it reflects strategic investment in infrastructure, curriculum development, instructor capability, and robust quality assurance systems. Our goal has always been clear to build not just a training institution, but a true Centre of Excellence. While we are proud of this milestone, we also recognise the responsibility it brings, it challenges us to continue raising standards, deepening innovation, and maintaining global best practices in everything we do.” he concluded.