By Seun Ibiyemi
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) is set to showcase the ongoing automation of the Nigerian Ship Registry as part of efforts to modernise registration services and make the Nigerian flag more competitive in the global shipping industry.
The Agency will host a two-part stakeholder webinar on October 6 and 8, 2026, where shipowners, operators, maritime professionals, financial institutions, insurers and other industry stakeholders will be introduced to the new digital registration platform.
NIMASA said the initiative is designed to improve the speed, transparency and efficiency of ship registration and related services while reducing administrative delays associated with conventional paper-based processes.
The automated platform will provide stakeholders with 24-hour access to registration services, streamline application and approval procedures and facilitate faster issuance of electronic certificates.
The development represents a significant shift from traditional manual processes and is expected to make interaction with the Nigerian Ship Registry more seamless for both local and international shipowners.
A key feature of the new system is its ability to provide secure, real-time tracking of ship mortgages and related registry transactions.
NIMASA said the feature would enhance transparency and provide greater visibility to financial institutions and other stakeholders involved in vessel financing.
The improved visibility is expected to strengthen confidence in the Nigerian Ship Registry and potentially make the Nigerian flag more attractive to shipowners and investors involved in the financing of vessels.
The digital platform is also expected to improve the Agency’s ability to deliver efficient and responsive flag-state services that meet international standards.
The Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola, said the automation project formed part of the Agency’s broader strategy to transform the Nigerian flag and create an enabling environment for greater participation in international shipping.
“The automation of the Nigerian Ship Registry represents a significant step in our commitment to providing efficient, transparent and globally competitive services to shipowners and other maritime stakeholders,” Mobereola said.
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He added that the Agency’s objective was to make the Nigerian flag more accessible, responsive and attractive by deploying technology-driven processes that meet international standards.
NIMASA said the platform was currently undergoing user testing, with the exercise focused on validating its functionality, security and user experience ahead of full deployment.
The October webinars will therefore provide stakeholders with an opportunity to understand the new platform, experience some of its key features and provide feedback to the Agency before the system becomes fully operational.
The Agency said stakeholder feedback would be important in ensuring that the platform meets the practical needs of users and delivers a more efficient ship registration experience.
NIMASA has invited shipowners, ship managers, maritime professionals, financial institutions, insurers, legal practitioners, classification societies and other interested stakeholders to participate in the webinars.
The first session is scheduled for Tuesday, October 6, 2026, while the second will hold on Thursday, October 8, 2026.
Further information on the webinar access link and programme will be released through NIMASA’s official communication channels.
The automation of the Ship Registry comes as Nigeria seeks to strengthen its position in the global maritime industry by improving the efficiency of flag-state administration and creating a more investor-friendly operating environment.
