By Seun Ibiyemi
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening indigenous capacity in the maritime sector, insisting that Nigerian-flagged vessels should receive priority under the Cabotage regime.
NIMASA Director-General, Dr Dayo Mobereola, stated this on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, during a tour of the African Pioneer Lagos, an offshore Diving Support Vessel (DSV) operated by Marine Platforms Limited.
The Nigerian-flagged vessel, with IMO Number 9808613, measures about 143 metres in length and has a deadweight of approximately 8,000 metric tonnes.
It is equipped for specialised deep-water subsea construction, diving, inspection and offshore oil and gas operations.
Mobereola, who expressed satisfaction with the vessel’s capabilities, said vessels of its class flying the Nigerian flag should be prioritised over foreign vessels operating in the country.
“I’m quite happy at what I have seen today after the tour of this 8,000 metric tonnes African Pioneer Specialised Vessel. A vessel such as this flying the Nigerian flag should have priority over any foreign vessel,” he said.
The NIMASA boss disclosed that the agency was automating the Nigerian Ship Registry to make it more attractive to shipowners and encourage more vessels to fly the Nigerian flag.
“We are automating the Nigerian ship registry to make it more attractive and to ensure that more vessels like this fly the Nigerian flag,” he added.
The Chief Executive Officer of Marine Platforms Limited, Mr Taofeek Adegbite, said the company had benefited from the Cabotage regime since acquiring its first vessel, MT African Vision, in 2012.
According to Adegbite, the Cabotage regime and the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board Act have played a major role in securing regular contracts for the company’s vessels.
He said Marine Platforms had no regret flying the Nigerian flag and urged other shipowners to register their vessels with the Nigerian Ship Registry.
Adegbite, however, called for special consideration for crew members operating large specialised vessels, saying this would encourage more owners of very large vessels to fly the Nigerian flag.
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He also commended NIMASA for its support, saying the African Pioneer Lagos demonstrated that Nigerian companies and professionals had the capacity to operate specialised vessels to international standards.
Adegbite further said increased use of the Nigerian flag would create greater opportunities for developing indigenous maritime manpower.
He cited the Philippines’ global reputation for seafaring and Norway’s strength in shipbuilding as examples of how countries could develop specialised areas of maritime competence.
He said Nigeria could similarly establish a globally recognised area of specialisation within the maritime industry through sustained investment in indigenous capacity.
