NIMASA DG Reiterates Cabotage Implementation as Priority for Indigenous Capacity Development

ZAINAB JUNAID

The Director-General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, has reiterated that developing indigenous capacity in Nigeria’s maritime sector through effective implementation of the Cabotage regime remains a priority of the Agency.

Mobereola stated this during a tour of Marine Platforms Limited’s African Pioneer Lagos, an offshore Diving Support Vessel (DSV), in Lagos.

According to a press statement signed by the Deputy Director/Head, Public Relations, NIMASA, Osagie Edward and made available to Journalists on Tuesday, 15 September 2026, the African Pioneer Lagos, with IMO Number 9808613, is a Nigerian-flagged offshore DSV measuring approximately 143 metres in length, with a deadweight of about 8,000 metric tonnes.

The vessel, is equipped to support specialised deep-water subsea construction, diving, inspection and offshore oil and gas operations.

Speaking after the tour, Mobereola said he was impressed by the vessel’s capacity and stressed the need to give Nigerian-flagged vessels priority.

“I’m quite happy at what I have seen today after the tour of this 8,000 metric tonnes African Pioneer specialised vessel. A vessel such as this flying the Nigerian flag should have priority over any foreign vessel. We are automating the Nigerian Ship Registry to make it more attractive and to ensure that more vessels like this fly the Nigerian flag,” he said.

Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of Marine Platforms Limited, Mr. Taofeek Adegbite, acknowledged that his company has benefited from the Cabotage regime. He also noted that he is proud of the Nigerian flag on all Marine platform vessels operating in Nigerian waters.

In his words, “since 2012, when we got our very first vessel Mt. African Vision, we are happy and proud to say NIMASA’s Cabotage Regime and the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board Act has played a major role in ensuring that our vessels have contracts on a regular basis. We have no regret flying the Nigerian flag and I will invite more ship owners to register their flags in the Nigerian Ship registry. At the moment we would appreciate a classification in such a way that the crew who are operating very big vessels are given special attention so that more very large vessels can fly the Nigerian flag”.

Adegbite expressed appreciation to NIMASA for her support, noting that the vessel demonstrates the capacity of Nigerian companies and professionals to operate to international standards. According to him, flying the Nigerian flag provides greater opportunities for the development of indigenous maritime manpower.

He noted that countries such as the Philippines are globally recognized for seafaring while Norway is renowned for shipbuilding, stressing that Nigeria could similarly develop a globally recognized area of maritime specialization.