Reported by Weng Patrick Atokor l Journalist at Weng Global
Nigeria’s vessel registration delays, regulatory bottlenecks and wider maritime industry challenges are expected to take centre stage as maritime professionals, shipowners, policymakers and regulators gather in Lagos for the 2026 National Convention of the Alumni of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron (AMANO).
The three-day convention, scheduled for November 12 to 14, 2026, will provide a platform for industry stakeholders to examine obstacles affecting vessel registration, shipping operations, maritime education and the implementation of government policies.
One of the major concerns expected to generate discussion is the lengthy process involved in registering vessels and transferring ownership under the Nigerian flag, with industry representatives highlighting significant differences between Nigeria’s administrative procedures and those of other international ship registries.
The convention comes as Nigeria seeks to strengthen its marine and blue economy, attract investment into shipping and improve its competitiveness in international maritime trade. The Guardian Nigeria +2
Vessel registration delays raise competitiveness concerns
The scale of the registration challenge was highlighted by Jonathan Agassi, Chairman of the AMANO 2026 Convention Planning Committee, during the unveiling of the programme.
According to reports of his remarks, Agassi cited the experience of a Nigerian shipowner who reportedly spent approximately eight months completing vessel ownership transfer and registration under the Nigerian flag.
In contrast, the same ship operator reportedly completed the registration and documentation of another vessel under the Marshall Islands flag within two weeks.
The comparison has raised questions about the efficiency of Nigeria’s ship registration procedures and the administrative processes confronting businesses operating in the country’s maritime industry.
For shipowners, lengthy registration procedures can create uncertainty, delay commercial operations and complicate investment decisions. They can also increase the administrative burden associated with acquiring, transferring and operating vessels.
Agassi said the convention would provide an opportunity for shipowners and other industry operators to explain their experiences and propose practical reforms.
The reported eight-month registration experience is an example cited by an industry representative and should not be interpreted as an established average processing time for all Nigerian vessel registrations. The Guardian Nigeria +1
What Nigeria’s vessel registration system requires
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) is responsible for administering the country’s ship registration framework through the Nigerian Ship Registration Office.
According to NIMASA, vessel registration is governed by relevant provisions of the Merchant Shipping Act, the NIMASA Act 2007 and the Coastal and Inland Shipping Act.
The agency operates different registration categories, including provisional registration, flag registration, bareboat registration and cabotage registration.
Its registry also covers merchant ships, fishing vessels, vessels under construction, certain chartered vessels and floating production and storage facilities.
NIMASA’s published application guidance outlines a process involving the submission of an application and supporting documents to the Director-General, payment of applicable fees and collection of the registration certificate or relevant documentation.
The agency also provides requirements for ship name approval and reservation.
For companies owning vessels, NIMASA’s published guidance specifies a minimum share capital of ₦25 million for a Nigerian company.
These requirements form part of the regulatory framework intended to establish ownership, ensure compliance and maintain the integrity of Nigeria’s ship registry. NIMASA
However, the concerns raised by maritime stakeholders suggest that the existence of a formal registration framework does not necessarily guarantee a smooth administrative experience.
The convention is therefore expected to examine whether existing procedures are sufficiently efficient, transparent and responsive to the needs of shipowners and other industry participants.
NIMASA’s digital registration initiative
The registration concerns are emerging alongside efforts by NIMASA to modernise the Nigerian Ship Registry through technology.
On October 4, 2026, the agency announced plans to conduct stakeholder webinars on October 6 and 8 to showcase its ongoing ship registry automation initiative.
According to NIMASA, the proposed digital platform is designed to provide round-the-clock access to registration services, streamline applications and approvals, and facilitate faster issuance of electronic certificates.
The system is also intended to support secure, real-time tracking of ship mortgages and related registry transactions.
NIMASA said the initiative would improve transparency and make registration services more accessible to local and international shipowners.
The agency’s Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Dayo Mobereola, described the automation programme as part of broader efforts to make the Nigerian flag more accessible, responsive and competitive internationally.
At the time of the announcement, the platform was undergoing user testing to assess its functionality, security and user experience ahead of official deployment.
The planned automation represents an important part of the wider discussion about administrative efficiency. However, its effectiveness will depend on successful implementation, reliable technology, adequate institutional capacity and the ability to resolve problems encountered by users.
The November convention provides an opportunity for industry operators to assess how such initiatives can translate into measurable improvements in registration services. NIMASA
AMANO seeks practical solutions beyond policy announcements
Beyond vessel registration, AMANO wants the convention to address a broader challenge facing Nigeria’s maritime industry: the gap between government policy and actual implementation.
The association’s president, Emmanuel Maiguwa, said the sector had reached a stage where collaboration between policymakers, regulators, industry operators and professional institutions was necessary to translate existing policies into tangible results.
He identified existing frameworks, including the National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy, as important foundations for industry development.
However, he stressed that effective implementation remained a major concern.
The association believes that industry reforms must produce practical improvements rather than remain limited to policy announcements and discussions.
AMANO members occupy professional positions across several areas of the maritime economy, including shipping, oil and gas, port management, marine engineering, navigation, maritime law and freight forwarding.
This professional experience is expected to contribute to discussions about the operational difficulties affecting businesses and workers across the sector.
According to reports from the convention’s unveiling, the association intends to document recommendations from the discussions and submit them to relevant government authorities and industry stakeholders for consideration. Punch Newspapers +1
Seafarer employment and maritime training also on the agenda
The convention is also expected to examine challenges affecting Nigerian seafarers, particularly employment opportunities, professional development and the transition from maritime education to industry practice.
Nigeria has invested in maritime training through institutions such as the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron. However, producing qualified graduates does not automatically guarantee that they will secure opportunities aboard commercial vessels or within other maritime organisations.
The relationship between training institutions and employers is therefore an important part of the industry’s development.
Maiguwa said AMANO had continued engaging relevant authorities on the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme, international training and certification standards, protection against abandonment, pensions and seafarers’ welfare.
These issues are significant because a competitive maritime industry requires qualified personnel who can meet international operational and safety standards.
The association has also highlighted professional advocacy, cadet mentorship, training support and curriculum reviews as areas of its contribution to maritime development.
Its proposed Cadet Work Experience Scheme is another initiative intended to strengthen the connection between education and employment by encouraging organisations to support industrial placements, mentorship and potential recruitment opportunities. Transport & Tourism Tribune +1
International maritime standards and regulatory compliance
Another major focus will be Nigeria’s implementation of international maritime standards and its ability to translate international commitments into effective national regulations.
The convention will feature a session titled “From Policy to Practice: Implementing IMO Standards with Measurable National Results and a Stronger Compliance Culture.”
The discussion is expected to examine how Nigeria can improve regulatory compliance, strengthen maritime administration and ensure that international commitments produce measurable improvements in industry performance.
A second session, titled “Human Element at Sea and Ashore: Turning Training Policies into Competence and Performance,” will focus on professional training, certification and the development of a competent maritime workforce.
These discussions are particularly relevant as shipping operations increasingly require compliance with international safety, environmental and professional standards.
Nigeria’s ability to maintain an effective ship registry and meet international maritime requirements is important to the confidence of shipowners, investors, insurers and international shipping partners.
Government officials and international experts expected
The November 12–14 convention is expected to attract senior government representatives, maritime regulators, shipping operators, academics and international industry professionals.
Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, and President of the World Maritime University, Maximo Mejia, are expected to attend as Special Guests of Honour.
Other announced speakers include William Azuh, an International Maritime Organization consultant and former Nigerian representative at the IMO, and Larry Amaraibi, Deputy General Manager, Marine, at TotalEnergies.
The programme is also expected to feature maritime professionals and representatives of industry organisations, including the Abuja Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control for West and Central Africa.
Their participation is expected to provide opportunities for discussions on regulatory performance, professional development, shipping operations and the future direction of Nigeria’s maritime industry. Punch Newspapers +1
Why the vessel registration issue matters to Nigeria
Nigeria’s maritime industry plays an important role in international trade, the movement of petroleum products, cargo transportation and the development of the wider blue economy.
An efficient vessel registration system can help improve the country’s attractiveness as a flag state, support indigenous shipping businesses and strengthen confidence among investors.
Conversely, complicated administrative procedures can discourage investment and make it more difficult for local operators to compete with businesses operating under jurisdictions with more efficient registration systems.
The issue also has implications for Nigeria’s ambition to increase indigenous participation in shipping.
A stronger domestic shipping industry could create opportunities for Nigerian businesses, maritime professionals, ship operators, marine engineers and other workers across the maritime value chain.
However, achieving these objectives requires more than announcing new policies. Regulatory institutions must provide predictable services, enforce standards consistently and address operational difficulties affecting legitimate businesses.
The proposed digital registration platform could contribute to this process, but stakeholders will ultimately judge its success by the improvements it delivers in processing times, transparency, accessibility and service reliability.
What happens next?
The AMANO National Convention will run from November 12 to 14, 2026, in Lagos under the theme:
“From Policy to Practice: Executing Maritime Excellence Through Professional Capability and Real-World Results.”
The organisers intend to use the gathering to develop practical recommendations addressing regulatory challenges, maritime education, professional competence and industry competitiveness.
The recommendations are expected to be documented and presented to relevant government authorities and industry stakeholders for consideration.
For Nigeria’s maritime sector, the important test will be whether the discussions produce specific actions, clear implementation responsibilities and measurable improvements.
In particular, shipowners will be looking for more efficient registration and ownership transfer procedures, while maritime professionals will expect progress on employment, training and welfare.
The convention therefore presents an opportunity to move discussions about Nigeria’s maritime potential towards practical institutional reforms.
Whether the proposed recommendations lead to lasting improvements will depend on the willingness of regulators, policymakers and industry operators to work together beyond the convention.
Weng Global – Stories beyond borders
Sources
- The Guardian – AMANO convention tackles ship registration delays, policy gaps.
- Punch – Maritime experts seek effective policy implementation.
- NIMASA – Official ship registration requirements and procedures.
- NIMASA – Automation of the Nigerian Ship Registry.
- Eye Witness News – AMANO unveils 2026 National Convention.
