The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has officially accredited 27 shipyards across the country, reaffirming its commitment to raising operational standards and promoting safety within Nigeria’s maritime sector.
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This milestone aligns with the Agency’s mandate under Section 22 of the NIMASA Act (2007) and Sections 335–339 of the Merchant Shipping Act (2007), which empower NIMASA to regulate, license, inspect, and enforce compliance in shipyard operations nationwide.
Of the 27 accredited facilities, 10 are located in Lagos State, 8 in Rivers State, and 9 in Delta State. These shipyards successfully met NIMASA’s rigorous requirements covering safety, technical competence, and environmental responsibility — making them the only facilities currently approved to operate under the Agency’s standards.
Announcing the development in Lagos, the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, noted that the accreditation is part of the Agency’s ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s shipbuilding and repair capabilities while ensuring adherence to global best practices.
“Our objective is simple — every shipyard operating in Nigeria must meet international standards of safety, environmental protection, and operational efficiency,” Dr. Mobereola stated. “By maintaining a transparent and credible register of accredited facilities, we are building investor confidence, protecting maritime assets, and fostering sustainable growth across the industry. This initiative underscores NIMASA’s unwavering commitment to transparency, safety, and quality service delivery in ship repair, dry-docking, and vessel construction.”
As part of the accreditation benefits, vessels constructed in these certified facilities will be assigned a Keel Identification Number (KIN) by NIMASA’s Maritime Safety and Seafarers Standards Department at the time of construction, in accordance with the “Certificate of Plan and Specification Approval.” This identification makes such vessels eligible to obtain an IMO Number, further aligning them with international maritime recognition.
NIMASA emphasized that the accreditation and verification process will remain continuous and dynamic, ensuring that all registered shipyards consistently uphold operational excellence and compliance with evolving global standards.
Through this initiative, the Agency aims to enhance transparency, safeguard investments, and strengthen confidence across Nigeria’s maritime value chain — paving the way for a safer, more competitive shipbuilding and repair industry.
For a full list of accredited shipyards, visit the NIMASA website: https://nimasa.gov.ng/list-of-registered-and-licensed-shipyards/
