The number of Nigerian flagged vessels registered increased from 182 in 2023 to 212 in 2024, which is a 16.48 per cent increase, the PUNCH has learnt.
This was contained in a document from the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination exclusively obtained by our correspondent, which reviewed the activities of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy between May 2023 and May 2025.
According to the document, the essence was to increase the tonnage and number of vessels by conferring Nigerian nationality.
The document added that to prepare and protect port facilities against maritime security threats and vulnerabilities, enhance maritime security measures for ships, and ensure Nigerian waters are secured, a total of 73 security assessments were conducted and approved, 83 port facilities were ISPS Code compliant, and security incident reports were reduced to only 109 from all the offshore and onshore port facilities within the period under review.
“The number of Nigerian flagged vessels registered increased from 182 in 2023 to 212 in 2024, that is, a 16.48 per cent increase,” the document read in part.
To increase control and compliance with maritime security measures for vessels visiting the nation’s seaports, 227 securities-related pre-arrival information were collated and analysed over the last two years.
“Also, 990 declarations of security signed between the port facilities and the visiting ships were collated,”the statement further read.
To create job opportunities and support indigenous participation in cabotage and international maritime activities, 4,910 seafarers were placed, an increase from 4,515 in the previous year, representing a growth of 8.75 per cent.
“Registration of 2,846 seafarers and 408 cadets in 2024, compared to 2,598 seafarers and 430 cadets registered in 2023; 12 new companies were registered as manning agents in 2024, compared to six registered in 2023. In terms of flag state inspections, a total of 104 inspections were conducted in 2024, an increase from 76 inspections in 2023,” it read.
It also mentioned that within the last two years, the Nigerian Ports Authority commissioned seven patrol boats to enhance maritime security and port efficiency, adding that the move would strengthen safety in the nation’s maritime space.
“The acquisition of 280-tonne bollard pull tugboats will enhance the berthing of vessels at the Dangote Refinery and Lekki Deepsea Port. This will deliver efficient pilotage and towage services. This will also enhance Nigeria’s position as a leading maritime nation,” it stated.
The document stressed that within the last two years, the ministry has ensured the maintenance of a five-day turnaround time of vessels at Lagos ports, “maintained an average dwell time of 14 days for containers at Lagos ports, achieved a one-day average waiting time of vessels at Lagos port, and achieved 70 per cent operationalisation of port terminals dedicated to agro-produce.
“Purchase and supply of two marine crafts for towage, improved security of waterways and efficiency, provide towage service to the Lekki port corridor, and reduce the waiting time of vessels and containers at the seaports to enhance the competitiveness of the nation’s seaports.”
