The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the Malta Ship Registry have commenced discussions on a potential partnership aimed at strengthening and modernising Nigeria’s ship registration system.
The talks were held between NIMASA Director General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola and the Registrar General of Shipping and Seamen of the Malta Ship Registry, Mr. Ivan Tabone, on the sidelines of the of the maritime exhibition, Posidonia 2026, in Athens, Greece.
The meeting centred on knowledge sharing, capacity building, regulatory efficiency, digital transformation and best practices in ship registration, with both organisations exploring areas of technical cooperation to enhance the competitiveness of the Nigerian Ship Registry.
Speaking during the engagement, Mobereola reiterated NIMASA’s commitment to fully automating the Nigerian Ship Registry in line with international standards. He said the ongoing reforms are designed to improve operational efficiency, increase indigenous vessel registrations, boost investor confidence and position Nigeria as a leading maritime hub in Africa.
According to him, the agency is focused on developing a transparent and technology-driven ship registry capable of supporting the growth of the nation’s maritime sector while aligning with the policy direction of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
The Malta Ship Registry is widely regarded as one of the world’s most successful ship registries, ranking as the largest merchant shipping register in Europe and among the top six globally by gross tonnage. With more than 9,500 vessels under its flag, the registry is recognized for its strong legal framework, efficient administration, and adherence to international maritime standards.
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