The NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Limited NSML, a subsidiary of the Nigeria LNG has announced that it has secured international certification from the Uk Nautical Institute, a major milestone achievement for the Nigerian maritime sector.
Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of NSML, Abdulkadir Ahmed announced the achievement at a press conference on Thursday in Lagos.
He said that the certification was a strong validation of the quality, rigour, and relevance of the training delivered at the Centre as it confirmed that the MCOE meets internationally accepted standards for competence development and operational excellence.
The Maritime Centre of Excellence (MCOE) is the NSML’s hub for maritime training, research, and competence development established as a one-stop centre for world-class maritime expertise.
It operates from Bonny Island, Rivers State, serving Nigeria, West Africa, and the global maritime community and is equipped with state-of-the-art simulators and modern training facilities designed to support the continuous professional development of seafarers and maritime professionals, with an expanding portfolio of both mandatory and specialised courses.
Besides the latest international certification, the MCOE has already been accredited by DNV under globally recognised standards, including ISO 9001:2015 for Quality Management Systems and the DNV-ST-0029 standards for Maritime Simulator and Training Centres.
Explaining the importance of the certifications, Ahmed said they reinforced MCOE’s commitment to quality, consistency, and excellence in training delivery.
“Building on this foundation, the MCOE is now licensed by the UK Nautical Institute to deliver key Dynamic Positioning (DP) programmes, including induction, simulator, revalidation, and vessel maintenance courses.
“Today, the Centre stands as one of the institutes in West Africa with this level of Nautical Institute accreditation for DP training”, the NSML MD stated.
He highlighted major significance of the certifications to include; strengthening Nigeria’s global standing; enhancing the employability and mobility of Nigerian maritime professionals with internationally recognised training; reinforces the Company’s commitment to building capacity locally and also reinforces safety and professionalism within the sector.
“The certifications obtained by the MCOE affirm that the professionals trained here meet high international expectations in performance, safety, and operational readiness.
“Beyond the industry, the impact is broader, a stronger maritime workforce contributes directly to trade, shipping, offshore operations, and the growth of Nigeria’s blue economy supporting job creation, productivity, and national competitiveness”, he stressed.
The NSML MD added; “Let me emphasise that this achievement is the result of deliberate and sustained effort, it reflects strategic investment in infrastructure, curriculum development, instructor capability, and robust quality assurance systems.
“Our goal has always been clear to build not just a training institution, but a true Centre of Excellence.
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.
“Looking ahead, NSML remains committed to further strengthening the Maritime Centre of Excellence, expanding access to maritime training for young Nigerians, and deepening partnerships that align with international 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 acknowledged the dedication of our staff, instructors, partners, and stakeholders whose commitment for making the achievement possible.
