Nigeria LNG Shipping and Marine Services Ltd says it is intensifying efforts to domesticate critical maritime skills and training programmes.

The company said the initiative formed part of plans to position Nigeria as a hub for globally recognised maritime certification by 2028.

Its managing director, Abdul-Kadir Ahmed, disclosed this on Thursday while outlining NSML’s strategic objectives for developing local maritime capacity.

Mr Ahmed said the company aimed to reduce dependence on foreign training institutions through sustained investment in local expertise and infrastructure. 

He said, “Our vision goes beyond staffing vessels with Nigerians. It encompasses shipbuilding, technical supervision, vessel management, leadership development, and establishing institutions capable of delivering world-class maritime services.”

Mr Ahmed said indigenous maritime operators faced the challenge of maintaining international standards while building local talent. According to him, the situation has made continuous investment in training and human capital development a necessity.

NSML currently offers several accredited courses recognised by professional and maritime regulatory bodies.

The company also collaborates with organisations across the domestic maritime sector through customised training programmes. The programmes, Ahmed said, were designed to improve operational standards and strengthen industry competitiveness.

Its chief training and development manager, Effiong Attah, identified the Marine Accelerator Programme as one of NSML’s flagship initiatives.

Mr Attah said the programme was established to help local maritime operators align their workforce and operations with global best practices. He also highlighted NSML’s fully sponsored annual leadership development programme.

According to him, the initiative accommodates about 20 participants from the Maritime Academy and other maritime institutions nationwide.

The programme, he said, is designed to nurture the next generation of maritime industry leaders.

Mr Attah said the Maritime Centre of Excellence remained central to NSML’s long-term strategy for maritime capacity development. According to him, the facility currently has the capacity to domesticate between 20 and 25 per cent of international maritime training requirements.

The training chief said NSML was making significant investments in infrastructure, technology, and professional expertise. He said the investments would expand the centre’s capabilities and enable advanced maritime training to be delivered locally.

“Our goal is to provide virtually all advanced maritime training and certification programmes within Nigeria,” Mr Attah said.

He explained that the centre would complement existing maritime academies rather than compete with them. According to him, the facility will focus on advanced professional development and specialised certifications required for international seafaring licences.

(NAN)