By Chibuzor Alli
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency is moving to make ship registration faster, more transparent and accessible around the clock as it advances the automation of the Nigerian Ship Registry.
The digital overhaul is expected to reduce delays associated with paper-based registration, accelerate the issuance of electronic certificates and improve access to registry services for shipowners and other maritime stakeholders.
NIMASA disclosed the development during a two-part stakeholder webinar held from October 6 to 8, 2026, where the agency showcased the new digital registration platform to shipowners, operators, maritime professionals, insurers, financial institutions and other industry stakeholders.
The Deputy Director/Head, Public Relations at NIMASA, Osagie Edward, said the automated system would allow users to access registration services 24 hours a day, seven days a week, while simplifying application and approval procedures.
A major feature of the platform is its ability to provide secure, real-time tracking of ship mortgages and other registry transactions. NIMASA said the feature would improve transparency and give financial institutions and other parties involved in vessel financing greater visibility over transactions.
“The automation initiative is also expected to make interaction with the Nigerian Ship Registry more seamless for local and international shipowners, while improving the Agency’s ability to deliver efficient, responsive and globally competitive flag-state services,” Edward said.
Digital registry targets global competitiveness
The automation forms part of NIMASA’s broader effort to improve the attractiveness of the Nigerian flag and position the country’s maritime administration to compete more effectively in the global shipping industry.
The Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola, said technology-driven processes would help create a more efficient operating environment for shipowners and other maritime stakeholders.
“The automation of the Nigerian Ship Registry represents a significant step in our commitment to providing efficient, transparent and globally competitive services to shipowners and other maritime stakeholders.
“Our objective is to make the Nigerian flag more accessible, responsive and attractive through technology-driven processes that meet international standards,” Mobereola said.
The move could also benefit businesses involved in vessel financing, insurance and maritime legal services by making key registry information easier to access and transactions easier to monitor.
NIMASA tests platform ahead of rollout
The digital registry is currently undergoing user testing, with the agency assessing its functionality, security and overall user experience ahead of official deployment.
NIMASA said stakeholder engagement was intended to familiarise industry participants with the platform, demonstrate its key features and gather feedback that could help refine the system before full implementation.
The agency has invited shipowners, ship managers, maritime professionals, financial institutions, insurers, legal practitioners, classification societies and other interested stakeholders to participate in the engagement process.
The automation is expected to mark a shift from conventional paper-based procedures towards a more technology-driven ship registration system, with the ultimate goal of making Nigerian flag services faster, more transparent and more responsive to industry needs.
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