In a bid to strengthen regulatory compliance, safety, and efficiency within the nation’s ship repair and vessel construction sector, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has officially listed NigerDock FZE, Starzs Marine and Engineering Limited, and 25 other shipyards as accredited and licensed to operate.
The NIMASA-Accredited and licensed shipyards also includes; West Atlantic Shipyard Limited, MG Vowgas Ltd, Elshcon Nigeria Limited, Niger-Benue Transport Company Ltd, Python Engineering / JAD Construction Ltd, Gredor Nigeria Ltd, West High Logistics Resources Limited, Big Fingers Oil Services Limited, IGA Shipbuilding and Repair Yard.
Others are; TUWASCO Marine Services Limited, Yadic Berge Operator Limited, Caverton Marine Boatyard, Master Marine Services Ltd, Shipside Drydock Ltd (Nestoil), Samsung Heavy Industry Mega Construction Integrated Yard, Warri Boatyard Limited, Atlantic Shrimpers Floating Dock, Awaritse Shipyard Limited, Olokun (Pisces) Limited, BGAM Services Nigeria Limited, Jogisco Nigeria Limited, Dredging International Services Nigeria Limited, Kajeria Services & Investment Limited, Naval Shipyard Limited, and Marvic-Mos-Global Ltd.
The accreditation, carried out in line with Section 22 of the NIMASA Act, 2007 and Sections 335–339 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 2007, empowers the Agency to regulate, license, inspect, and enforce operational standards for shipyard activities in the country.
According to NIMASA, the accredited shipyards are the only facilities that have met the Agency’s stringent operational, technical, and environmental requirements. Out of the 27 accredited shipyards, 10 are located in Lagos State, 8 in Rivers State, and 9 in Delta State, representing the major maritime hubs in Nigeria.
Speaking during the release of the accredited list in Lagos, the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, said the exercise reflects the Agency’s renewed commitment to promoting safety, transparency, and sustainable growth in the maritime industry.
“Our goal is to ensure that every shipyard operating in Nigeria adheres to international standards of safety, environmental protection, and operational efficiency,” Mobereola stated.
The NIMASA boss added that by maintaining a credible register of accredited facilities, the agency is boosting investor confidence, protecting maritime assets, and promoting sustainable industry growth.
Dr. Mobereola noted that the accreditation is part of a continuous verification process designed to uphold global best practices and align Nigeria’s shipyard operations with international maritime standards.
He further explained that vessels constructed in any of these accredited facilities would now be assigned a Keel Identification Number (KIN) by NIMASA’s Maritime Safety and Seafarers Standards Department, making them eligible for the issuance of an IMO Number – a key step in enhancing traceability and safety compliance.
