NIMASA, Malta ship registry explore partnership to advance Nigeria’s ship registry

Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, has held strategic discussions with the Registrar General of Shipping and Seamen of the Malta Ship Registry, Mr. Ivan Tabone, on knowledge sharing and capacity building to support the modernization of the Nigerian Ship Registry.

The engagement took place on the sidelines of the maritime exhibition, Posidonia 2026, in Athens, Greece.

The meeting focused on collaboration in ship registration processes, regulatory efficiency, digital transformation, and institutional best practices, with both parties exploring opportunities for technical cooperation to enhance the competitiveness of the Nigerian Ship Registry.

Speaking during the meeting, Dr. Mobereola reaffirmed NIMASA’s commitment to fully automate the Nigerian Ship Registry in line with international standards.

He said that ongoing reforms are aimed at improving efficiency, increasing indigenous vessel registrations, boosting investor confidence, and positioning Nigeria as a leading maritime hub in Africa.

According to him, the Agency is building a transparent, technology-driven registry that supports the growth of Nigeria’s maritime sector and aligns with the vision of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy under the leadership of His Excellency, Adegboyega Oyetola, CON.

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.