Nigeria’s maritime industry holds enormous potential— enough to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with some of the world's leading maritime nations. With a strategic coastal location, a growing fleet of vessels, and an ever-expanding oil and gas sector, the country has all it takes to become a global maritime hub.
However, its growth has been hindered by several persistent challenges. Chief among them is the lack of adequate maritime training infrastructure. Many existing training centers across Nigeria are under-equipped, with outdated facilities, insufficient simulation technology, and curriculums that fail to meet the latest standards of the International Maritime Organization (IMO). This gap in quality training and access to globally recognized certifications has had a profound impact on the competence, employability, and international competitiveness of Nigerian seafarers.
MCOE: Bridging the Skills Gap
To address this challenge head-on, NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Limited (NSML) established the Maritime Centre of Excellence (MCOE) — a bold step toward transforming maritime training in Nigeria. Located on Bonny Island in Rivers State, MCOE is purpose-built to deliver world-class maritime education that rivals international standards. It is equipped with modern simulators, competent instructors, and up-to-date curricula aligned with International Maritime Organization (IMO) standards.
MCOE provides an extensive suite of training programs, including:
- STCW 2010 (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers)
- Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS)
- Basic Liquefied Gas Tanker Cargo Operations
- Dynamic Positioning (DP) Training
These are not just routine courses — they are essential, career-defining programs that equip seafarers with the technical expertise and confidence needed on modern vessels.
Global Recognition, African Pride
What sets MCOE apart from other institutions is its international accreditation. The center is fully accredited by the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (UK MCA), allowing it to issue globally recognized certificates. This means Nigerian seafarers no longer need to travel abroad to obtain quality training or international certification—a game-changer for accessibility and affordability.
As a result, MCOE has rapidly earned its place as one of Africa’s leading maritime training institutions, setting a new benchmark for excellence across the continent.
Partnerships That Elevate Local Talent
In a landmark move to boost national capacity, The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) signed a strategic training agreement with NSML to facilitate Certificate of Competency (CoC) examinations for beneficiaries of the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP) at MCOE. This collaboration allows young Nigerian cadets to receive quality training onboard drug their cadetship.
According to NSML Managing Director Abdulkadir Ahmed, the center also has plans to launch a cadetship programme in the near future — a much-needed initiative that will ensure structured career progression for aspiring Nigerian officers.
A Vision Anchored in Excellence
The establishment of MCOE represents more than just a new facility — it symbolizes a new era for maritime development in Nigeria. By providing world-class training, international certification, and future-focused programs, MCOE is not only filling the skills gap — it's raising the standard for what maritime training should look like in Africa.
For the Nigerian maritime industry to truly thrive, it must continue to invest in people, skills, and innovation— and the Maritime Centre of Excellence is leading the way.
