The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has said that the implementation of the Cabotage regime remains a priority in its efforts to develop indigenous capacity in Nigeria’s maritime sector.
The Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, stated this on Tuesday during a tour of Marine Platforms Limited’s African Pioneer Lagos vessel, a Nigerian-flagged offshore Diving Support Vessel (DSV).
The African Pioneer Lagos, with IMO Number 9808613, is approximately 143 metres long, with a deadweight of about 8,000 metric tonnes. The vessel is equipped for specialised deep-water subsea construction, diving, inspection and offshore oil and gas operations.
Mobereola said the agency is committed to ensuring that Nigerian-flagged vessels receive priority in the nation’s maritime space, while efforts are ongoing to make the Nigerian Ship Registry more attractive to shipowners.
“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 DG added that NIMASA is automating the Nigerian Ship Registry to encourage more vessels to fly the Nigerian flag.
The Chief Executive Officer of Marine Platforms Limited, Mr. Taofeek Adegbite, said the company has benefited significantly from the Cabotage regime and the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board Act.
Adegbite said the company remain proud of flying the Nigerian flag on its vessels operating in Nigerian waters, noting that its experience demonstrates the impact of policies supporting indigenous participation in the maritime sector.
“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.
“We have no regret flying the Nigerian flag and I will invite more ship owners to register their flags in the Nigerian Ship Registry”, he said.
Adegbite, however, called for a classification system that gives special attention to crews operating very large vessels, saying this would encourage more owners of such vessels to fly the Nigerian flag.
He expressed appreciation to NIMASA for its support, adding that the African Pioneer Lagos demonstrates the capacity of Nigerian companies and professionals to operate to international standards.
According to him, flying the Nigerian flag also creates greater opportunities for the development of indigenous maritime manpower.
Adegbite said Nigeria could develop a globally recognised area of maritime specialisation, citing the Philippines’ reputation in seafaring and Norway’s strength in shipbuilding as examples.
He maintained that Nigeria could similarly build global recognition around areas of maritime expertise by developing its indigenous capacity.
