The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has accredited 27 shipyards operating across the country in line with its statutory mandate to regulate and enforce operational standards in the maritime sector.
The exercise, carried out under Section 22 of the NIMASA Act 2007 and Sections 335 to 339 of the Merchant Shipping Act 2007, empowers the Agency to license, inspect, and monitor shipyard activities nationwide.
Of the 27 accredited facilities, 10 are located in Lagos State, eight in Rivers State, and nine in Delta State — the only ones that have so far met NIMASA’s stringent safety, regulatory, and operational requirements.
Announcing the list in Lagos, NIMASA Director General, Dr Dayo Mobereola, said the accreditation exercise is part of efforts to enhance safety and streamline operations within Nigeria’s maritime industry.
“Our goal is to ensure that every shipyard operating in Nigeria adheres to international standards of safety, environmental protection, and operational efficiency,” he stated. “By maintaining a transparent and credible register of accredited facilities, we are boosting investor confidence, protecting maritime assets, and promoting sustainable industry growth.”
Dr Mobereola added that accredited facilities would have their vessels assigned a Keel Identification Number (KIN) at the point of construction, making them eligible to obtain an International Maritime Organisation (IMO) number.
He explained that the verification and accreditation process is continuous and aimed at upholding operational excellence across the nation’s maritime value chain.
A full list of the accredited shipyards is available on the NIMASA website: https://nimasa.gov.ng/list-of-registered-and-licensed-shipyards.
