The Nigerian maritime industry has recorded a major milestone as the Maritime Centre of Excellence (MCOE), operated by Nigerian Shipping and Maritime Logistics (NSML), secured international certification from the UK Nautical Institute, further strengthening Nigeria’s position as a growing hub for world-class maritime training and competence development.
https://www.digital.zenithbank.com/ZEQ/ZEQ-jan-2026/index.html#p=1Announcing the achievement at a press conference in Lagos, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NSML, Mr. Abdulkadir K. Ahmed, described the certification as a significant endorsement of the quality, relevance, and international standards maintained by the Centre in developing maritime talent for Nigeria, West Africa, and the global maritime industry.
According to Ahmed, the Maritime Centre of Excellence, located on Bonny Island in Rivers State, was established as a one-stop centre for maritime training, research, and professional development. Equipped with state-of-the-art simulators and modern training facilities, the Centre provides both mandatory and specialised training programmes designed to enhance the competence and global competitiveness of seafarers and maritime professionals.
“The certification by the UK Nautical Institute confirms that the Maritime Centre of Excellence meets internationally recognised standards for competence development, operational excellence, and maritime training delivery. It is a strong validation of the quality, rigour, and professionalism that have become synonymous with the Centre,” Ahmed stated.
The latest certification adds to the Centre’s growing list of international recognitions. The MCOE is fully accredited by DNV under globally recognised standards, including ISO 9001:2015 for Quality Management Systems, DNV-ST-0029 Maritime Simulator Centre, and DNV-ST-0029 Maritime Training Centre standards.
Building on these achievements, the UK Nautical Institute has now licensed the Centre to deliver a range of Dynamic Positioning (DP) programmes, including Dynamic Positioning Induction Course, Dynamic Positioning Simulator Course, Dynamic Positioning Revalidation Induction Course and Dynamic Vessel Maintenance Revalidation Induction Course.
With this accreditation, the Maritime Centre of Excellence becomes one of the few institutions in West Africa authorised to offer Nautical Institute-certified Dynamic Positioning training, a highly sought-after competency within the offshore and maritime sectors.
The Centre also delivers a broad portfolio of specialised courses accredited by the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), widely regarded as the global benchmark for maritime training standards. These include programmes in Gas Tanker Operations, Dynamic Positioning, Human Element Leadership and Management, Electronic Chart Display Information Systems (ECDIS), and High Voltage Training at both operational and management levels.
Ahmed noted that the certification carries significant implications for Nigeria’s maritime sector and broader economy.
“First, it enhances Nigeria’s global standing in maritime training and competence development. Certification by respected international institutions demonstrates that training delivered in Nigeria can meet and even exceed global benchmarks,” he said.
“Secondly, it improves the employability and mobility of Nigerian maritime professionals. With internationally recognised certifications, Nigerian seafarers and offshore personnel are better positioned to secure opportunities on global fleets, offshore installations, and international maritime projects.”
The NSML CEO further explained that the development aligns with ongoing efforts to deepen local content participation in the maritime and energy sectors by building indigenous capacity and reducing reliance on overseas training institutions.
Industry stakeholders have consistently identified human capital development as one of the critical pillars required to unlock Nigeria’s maritime potential. The availability of internationally accredited training programmes within the country is expected to reduce training costs, increase access to professional certifications, and create more opportunities for Nigerian seafarers to compete globally.
Beyond training, the Maritime Centre of Excellence is also playing a strategic role in advancing maritime research, innovation, and knowledge transfer, supporting the long-term development of the industry and contributing to national economic growth.
As global demand for highly skilled maritime professionals continues to rise, the latest certification reinforces NSML’s commitment to developing a world-class maritime workforce capable of supporting Nigeria’s ambitions as a leading maritime and logistics hub in Africa.
The achievement also represents another step toward strengthening Nigeria’s position within the global maritime value chain while supporting job creation, skills development, and sustainable economic growth through maritime excellence.
