The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has reaffirmed its commitment to using the cabotage regime to strengthen indigenous capacity and increase the participation of Nigerian-owned vessels in the country’s maritime industry.

NIMASA Director-General, Dr Dayo Mobereola, made the commitment on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, during a tour of Marine Platforms Limited’s African Pioneer Lagos, an offshore diving support vessel operating under the Nigerian flag.

Mobereola said vessels capable of carrying out specialised operations should receive priority under Nigeria’s maritime framework, while disclosing that the agency is automating the Nigerian ship registry to encourage more vessels to fly the country’s flag.

“A vessel such as this flying the Nigerian flag should have priority over any foreign vessel.”

— Dayo Mobereola, NIMASA Director-General

NIMASA pushes indigenous capacity

The African Pioneer Lagos, with IMO number 9808613, is a Nigerian-flagged offshore Diving Support Vessel (DSV) measuring about 143 metres in length, with a deadweight of approximately 8,000 metric tonnes.

The vessel is designed to support specialised deep-water subsea construction, diving, inspection and offshore oil and gas operations.

Speaking after touring the vessel, Mobereola said its capabilities demonstrated the importance of developing local capacity within Nigeria’s maritime sector.

“I’m quite happy at what I have seen today after the tour of this 8,000 metric tonnes African Pioneer Specialised Vessel,” he said.

“A vessel such as this flying the Nigerian flag should have priority over any foreign vessel. We are automating the Nigerian ship registry to make it more attractive and to ensure that more vessels like this fly the Nigerian flag.”

Marine Platforms says Cabotage has helped its business

Marine Platforms Limited chief executive officer, Taofeek Adegbite, said his company had benefited from Nigeria’s Cabotage regime and the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) Act.

Adegbite said the company had remained proud of operating vessels under the Nigerian flag since acquiring its first vessel, MT African Vision, in 2012.

“We have no regret flying the Nigerian flag and I will invite more ship owners to register their flags in the Nigerian Ship registry.”

— Taofeek Adegbite, Marine Platforms Limited

According to Adegbite, the regulatory framework had contributed to the company securing regular contracts for its vessels.

“Since 2012, when we got our very first vessel Mt. African Vision, we are happy and proud to say NIMASA’s Cabotage Regime and the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board Act has played a major role in ensuring that our vessels have contracts on a regular basis,” he said.

He also called for a classification system that would give special consideration to crew members operating very large vessels.

“At the moment we would appreciate a classification in such a way that the crew who are operating very big vessels are given special attention so that more very large vessels can fly the Nigerian flag,” Adegbite said.

Also Read: NSCDC Arrests Three Over Alleged Vandalism of Government Property in Anambra 

Focus shifts to maritime manpower

Adegbite said the vessel also demonstrated the ability of Nigerian companies and professionals to undertake specialised maritime operations to international standards.

He linked the development of locally owned and operated vessels to opportunities for building Nigeria’s maritime workforce.

The Marine Platforms chief executive cited the Philippines’ global reputation for seafaring and Norway’s prominence in shipbuilding as examples of how countries can develop areas of specialisation within the maritime industry.

He argued that Nigeria could similarly establish a globally recognised area of maritime expertise.

MT African Pioneer Lagos.

Why the Cabotage regime matters

Nigeria’s Cabotage framework was introduced to increase indigenous participation in domestic maritime trade and reduce dependence on foreign operators in coastal and inland shipping activities.

The broader policy objective is to ensure that Nigerian businesses, vessels and maritime professionals have greater opportunities to participate in activities taking place within the country’s waters.

For shipowners, the effectiveness of the regime depends not only on access to contracts but also on issues such as vessel registration, financing, classification, qualified crew and the competitiveness of Nigerian-flagged vessels.

NIMASA’s planned automation of the ship registry is therefore expected by the agency to make registration more attractive and potentially encourage more vessels to operate under the Nigerian flag.

What happens next?

The latest comments point to a continued emphasis on indigenous vessel ownership, Nigerian-flagged operations and maritime manpower development under the current NIMASA administration.

However, the extent to which these measures translate into more contracts for Nigerian operators, increased employment for seafarers and greater participation in specialised offshore operations will depend on implementation and industry conditions.

For companies such as Marine Platforms, the priority is ensuring that Nigerian-owned vessels can compete effectively while developing the personnel and systems needed to operate increasingly sophisticated ships.

Mentees on a ferry safety development and mentoring programme in Lagos have completed a month-long training module focused on marine engine systems and onboard operations.

The fourth module of the programme, held throughout August 2026, combined self-paced learning, expert discussions and practical onboard training to strengthen participants’ understanding of marine engineering and ferry operations.

The programme is being delivered with the involvement of the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), Interferry and FerrySafe, with support from the Lagos State Government and other stakeholders.

From classroom learning to onboard experience

The first two weeks of the module were devoted to self-paced learning facilitated by Engr Jeremiah Akwemioh, a Nigerian Navy veteran with experience in marine engineering and engine systems.

In the third week, the mentees participated in a virtual “Ask the Expert” session with Joep Bollerman, Vice President of Passenger Ships and Director of the Cruise Ship Center of Expertise at Lloyd’s Register, and Francesco Ruisi, Global Passenger Ship Segment Director at Lloyd’s Register.

The programme then moved from theory to practical training in its fourth week, with participants visiting the MV ONONEZE, an American Bureau of Shipping-classed vessel owned by Fymak Marine & Oil Services Nigeria Ltd.

According to LASWA, the vessel has four Cummins main engines, four propellers and a bow thruster, with a combined output of 5,368 kilowatts, equivalent to about 7,200 brake horsepower.

The practical session allowed the mentees to observe the operation of the vessel’s engines and auxiliary systems, including generators, purifiers, sewage treatment plants, air compressors and piping systems

Also Read: Customs Seizes 7.6 tonnes of Cannabis, 169,998 Bottles of Codeine at Apapa Port

Why engine systems matter for ferry safety

Understanding propulsion and auxiliary systems is an important part of safe vessel operation.

Engine-room failures or poor maintenance can affect a vessel’s ability to manoeuvre and operate safely, making technical knowledge an important component of wider ferry safety management.

The practical component of the programme also gives trainees an opportunity to connect classroom instruction with the systems they may encounter during real-world marine operations.

Industry professionals provide practical insight

LASWA credited the management and crew of Fymak Marine & Oil Services for supporting the onboard training.

Those involved included Captain Aniekan Udo, Chief Officer Abiodun Erewa, Chief Engineer Emmanuel Ezekudo and Engr Paul Etarijakpere.

The authority also acknowledged Akwemioh, Bollerman and Ruisi for their roles as facilitator and mentors.

The programme’s organisers said the support of Interferry, including its Director of Conferences and Finance and Executive Sponsor Shari Corrigan, as well as FerrySafe, LASWA, the Lagos State Government and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Blue Economy, Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, had contributed to the capacity-building effort.

What comes next

The programme will move to its fifth module in September, with a focus on Safety Management Systems.

LASWA said the module will be led by Mike Corrigan, Chief Executive Officer of Interferry, giving participants the opportunity to learn about ferry safety management directly from the organisation’s leader.

The latest training comes as Lagos continues to develop its waterways as part of the state’s wider blue economy strategy, making professional training and safety standards increasingly important to the future of water transportation.

For more information, LASWA said members of the public can contact its communication channels on 0700 CALL LASWA or 08090129777, or through its social media handle, @talktolaswa.

APM Terminals has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore the development of the proposed Badagry Deep-Seaport in Lagos, in what the Federal Government says could expand Nigeria’s deepwater port capacity and strengthen its position in West African trade.

The agreement was signed in Copenhagen, Denmark, on Monday, 7 September 2026, during a visit by Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, who led a Federal Government delegation to the country.

The MoU commits the parties to exclusive negotiations over the proposed greenfield port, with APM Terminals expressing its commitment to taking the project forward.

Also Read: Women’s Rights Organisation Wins Voice, Impact, Empowerment Award 

Why the Badagry port matters

The proposed port is expected to provide additional deepwater capacity for Nigeria and accommodate larger container vessels than some existing facilities can handle.

It could also create new opportunities for transshipment, allowing cargo destined for other West and Central African markets to be handled through Nigeria.

The government says the project would complement existing port infrastructure and support increased cargo volumes while improving the resilience of supply chains.

APM Terminals said developing Badagry could also help ease congestion associated with ports located within the city.

“Developing Badagry as a greenfield project will further ease congestions in city ports and further open new opportunities.

— Igor van den Essen, APM Terminals

*CAPTION*
L–R: Group Chief Executive Officer, A.P. Moller–Maersk, Vincent Clerc; Managing Director, Badagry Port Development Limited, Didi Ndiomu; Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola; and Managing Director, Africa & Europe, APM Terminals, Igor van den Essen, at the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the development of the Badagry Deep-Seaport in Copenhagen, Denmark, on Monday, September 7, 2026.

APM Terminals explores further Nigerian investment

The Badagry discussions formed part of wider maritime and investment engagements between Nigeria and Denmark.

Oyetola and his delegation held meetings with senior Danish government officials and representatives of the country’s maritime industry as Nigeria seeks to attract more private-sector investment into port infrastructure.

The minister said the government was focused on modernising maritime infrastructure and creating conditions for long-term investment.

“Our engagement in Denmark underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to modernizing Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure and unlocking the full potential of our blue economy. Partnering with global terminal operators like APM Terminals to explore strategic greenfield developments such as the Badagry Port is central to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of positioning Nigeria as West Africa’s premier trade and logistics hub,” Oyetola said.

The parties also discussed possible extensions to APM Terminals’ existing port concessions at the Lagos Port Complex, Apapa, and the West Africa Container Terminal (WACT) in Onne.

What APM Terminals says

APM Terminals’ Managing Director for Africa and Europe, Igor van den Essen, said the company saw long-term investment in Nigeria’s port infrastructure as part of efforts to support the country’s economic growth.

“APM Terminals is keen to contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth and position as a trade hub in West Africa. We believe further investing long-term in our concessions in Apapa and Onne helps doing that, and we were pleased to have a constructive dialogue about this today. Additionally, developing Badagry as a greenfield project will further ease congestions in city ports and further open new opportunities,” he said.

Van den Essen also welcomed the Federal Government’s plans to expand trade and attract investment.

“APM Terminals is encouraged by the Nigerian government’s ambition to expand trade, attract investment, and strengthen the country’s position as a leading maritime gateway in West Africa, and we are proud to play a part in that ambition. We strongly believe that public-private partnerships help us deliver results that support growth because they drive long-term investment, a better business environment and, thereby, competitiveness in a rapidly developing market,” he said.

Badagry project enters a new phase

Didi Ndiomu, Managing Director of Badagry Port Development Limited, described the agreement with APM Terminals as the start of a new phase for the proposed project.

“Investing in maritime infrastructure and especially in Badagry as a greenfield port project together with APM Terminals is the beginning of Nigeria becoming the true maritime capital of sub-Saharan Africa in full alignment with the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ambitious maritime growth strategy,” Ndiomu said.

The proposed deep-seaport is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s wider port network by providing facilities for larger container vessels and supporting higher cargo volumes.

It is also projected to increase Nigeria’s ability to serve as a regional transshipment hub, potentially allowing the country to handle cargo moving to markets across West and Central Africa.

What happens next?

The MoU does not by itself amount to the completion of the port project. Instead, it provides a framework for exclusive negotiations between the parties to explore its development.

The next stages will determine the project’s commercial, technical and investment arrangements before construction and operations can proceed.

For Nigeria’s maritime sector, the proposed Badagry development comes as the government seeks to expand port capacity, attract private investment and improve the country’s role in regional trade.