Nigeria’s maritime sector has received a significant boNSMLost following the latest international certification awarded to the Maritime Centre of Excellence (MCOE), a development that industry stakeholders say reinforces the country's growing reputation as a hub for world-class maritime training and competence development.
Speaking with journalists in Lagos over the weekend, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Limited, Abdulkadir Ahmed, described the newly secured certification from the The Nautical Institute as a strong endorsement of the quality and relevance of training programmes offered at the centre.
According to Ahmed, the recognition confirms that the Maritime Centre of Excellence meets globally accepted standards for operational excellence and professional competence, placing it among a select group of internationally accredited maritime training institutions.
“This latest certification from the UK Nautical Institute is a strong validation of the quality, rigour, and relevance of the training delivered at the Centre. It confirms that the MCOE meets internationally accepted standards for competence development and operational excellence,” he said.
Building a Globally Competitive Maritime Workforce
Ahmed explained that the Maritime Centre of Excellence serves as NSML’s flagship hub for maritime training, research, and professional development, designed to equip seafarers and maritime professionals with skills that meet international industry requirements.
He noted that the latest achievement builds on an already impressive record of global accreditations. The centre is accredited by DNV under internationally recognised frameworks, including ISO 9001:2015 for quality management systems and the DNV-ST-0029 standard for maritime simulator and training centres.
According to him, these certifications reflect NSML’s sustained commitment to maintaining high standards in maritime education and training.
“These certifications reinforce our commitment to quality, consistency, and excellence in training delivery,” Ahmed stated.
Expanding Dynamic Positioning Training in West Africa
A key outcome of the certification is the centre’s enhanced capacity to deliver specialised Dynamic Positioning (DP) programmes, which are critical for offshore maritime operations.
Ahmed revealed that the Maritime Centre of Excellence is now licensed by the UK Nautical Institute to conduct a range of DP courses, including induction, simulator, revalidation, and vessel maintenance programmes.
The accreditation places the facility among a small number of institutions in West Africa with this level of international recognition for Dynamic Positioning training, creating new opportunities for maritime professionals seeking globally accepted qualifications without leaving the region.
“Today, the Centre stands as one of the institutes in West Africa with this level of Nautical Institute accreditation for DP training,” he said.
Boost for Nigeria’s Global Maritime Standing
Beyond institutional recognition, Ahmed stressed that the certification carries significant national importance.
He argued that endorsements from respected international bodies demonstrate that Nigerian maritime expertise can compete favourably with the best training institutions globally.
“Certification by globally respected bodies affirms that the standard of training and expertise developed here in Nigeria can compete with the best anywhere in the world,” he said.
He added that internationally recognised qualifications will improve the employability and mobility of Nigerian maritime professionals, enabling them to access opportunities across global shipping fleets and offshore operations.
“It enhances the employability and mobility of Nigerian maritime professionals with internationally recognised training; our seafarers are better positioned to access opportunities across global fleets and offshore operations.”
Ahmed also noted that the milestone supports the broader objective of local capacity development by reducing dependence on foreign training institutions while raising professional standards within the country.
“This milestone demonstrates clearly that world-class maritime training can be delivered here at home, reducing reliance on foreign institutions while raising national capability.”
Supporting the Growth of Nigeria’s Blue Economy
The NSML chief executive emphasised that the benefits extend beyond individual maritime professionals.
According to him, a highly skilled maritime workforce contributes directly to improved shipping operations, trade facilitation, offshore energy activities, and the overall growth of Nigeria’s blue economy.
He noted that stronger maritime capacity can stimulate job creation, improve productivity, and enhance national competitiveness in the global maritime industry.
The achievement, Ahmed said, is the result of years of deliberate investment in infrastructure, curriculum development, instructor training, and robust quality assurance systems.
“Our goal has always been clear: to build not just a training institution, but a true centre of excellence,” he said.
“While we are proud of this milestone, we also recognise the responsibility it brings; it challenges us to continue raising standards, deepening innovation, and maintaining global best practices in everything we do.”
Ambition for Global Recognition
Looking ahead, Ahmed reaffirmed NSML’s commitment to strengthening the Maritime Centre of Excellence, expanding access to training opportunities for young Nigerians, and fostering partnerships that align with international maritime standards.
“Our ambition is clear: to build a maritime institution that Nigeria is proud of and one that is respected across the global maritime community,” he said.
Located on Bonny Island, the Maritime Centre of Excellence serves as NSML’s integrated hub for maritime research, simulation, and professional development. Equipped with advanced training facilities and high-technology simulators, the centre provides a growing portfolio of mandatory and specialised maritime courses aimed at developing globally competitive professionals for Nigeria, West Africa, and the wider international maritime industry.