The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shipping and Maritime Logistics (NSML), Abdulkadir K. Ahmed, has announced that the company’s Maritime Centre of Excellence (MCOE) has secured international certification from the UK Nautical Institute, marking a major milestone for Nigeria’s maritime training and capacity development efforts.
Speaking at a press conference in Lagos, Ahmed described the certification as a significant endorsement of the quality, rigour, and relevance of the training programmes delivered by the MCOE, NSML’s flagship hub for maritime training, research, and competence development.
Located on Bonny Island, Rivers State, the Maritime Centre of Excellence serves Nigeria, West Africa, and the wider global maritime community. The facility is equipped with state-of-the-art simulators and modern training infrastructure designed to support the continuous professional development of seafarers and maritime professionals through a growing portfolio of mandatory and specialised courses.
Managing Director, NSML, Abdulkadir Ahmed (centre), flanked by Manager, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs, NLNG, Anne-Marie Palmer-Ikuku
During a Media Parley hosted by NSML.
According to Ahmed, the latest recognition from the UK Nautical Institute confirms that the Centre meets internationally accepted standards for competence development and operational excellence.
“This certification is a strong validation of the quality of training delivered at the Maritime Centre of Excellence and further reinforces our commitment to developing world-class maritime professionals,” he said.
He noted that the Centre already holds accreditation from DNV under globally recognised standards, including ISO 9001:2015 for Quality Management Systems and DNV-ST-0029 standards for Maritime Simulator and Training Centres.
Building on these achievements, the MCOE has now been licensed by the UK Nautical Institute to deliver key Dynamic Positioning (DP) programmes, including induction, simulator, revalidation, and vessel maintenance courses. The certification places the Centre among a select group of maritime institutions in West Africa authorised to offer Nautical Institute-accredited DP training.
The Centre also offers a range of specialised courses accredited by the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), widely regarded as one of the highest standards in global maritime training. These include programmes in Gas Tanker Operations, Dynamic Positioning, Human Element Leadership and Management, Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS), and High Voltage Training at both operational and management levels.
Ahmed described the achievement as particularly significant for Nigeria, noting that it demonstrates the country’s growing ability to deliver maritime training that meets international benchmarks.
He said the certification would enhance the employability and global mobility of Nigerian maritime professionals by providing them with internationally recognised qualifications required for opportunities across global shipping fleets and offshore operations.
The NSML chief executive further stated that the development underscores the viability of building world-class maritime training capacity within Nigeria, reducing dependence on foreign institutions while strengthening local expertise.
He added that the certifications would contribute to improved safety, professionalism, and operational readiness across the maritime sector by ensuring that professionals trained at the Centre meet global standards in competence and performance.
Ahmed emphasised that the broader impact extends beyond the maritime industry, with a stronger and more skilled workforce expected to support trade, shipping, offshore operations, and the growth of Nigeria’s blue economy, ultimately contributing to job creation, productivity, and national competitiveness.
He attributed the achievement to sustained investment in infrastructure, curriculum development, instructor capacity, and robust quality assurance systems.
“Our goal has always been to build not just a training institution, but a true Centre of Excellence capable of competing with the best in the world,” he said.
While celebrating the milestone, Ahmed stressed that NSML remains committed to continuous improvement, innovation, and adherence to global best practices.
He disclosed that the company would continue to strengthen the Maritime Centre of Excellence, expand access to maritime training opportunities for young Nigerians, and deepen strategic partnerships aligned with international standards.
“Our ambition is to build a maritime institution that Nigeria is proud of and one that is respected across the global maritime community,” he added.
Ahmed also commended the dedication and commitment of NSML staff, instructors, partners, and stakeholders whose contributions made the achievement possible.
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