NSML maritime centre of excellence driving Africa’s manpower development

By Onu Okorie

Nigerian Shipping and Maritime Logistics NSML Maritime Centre of Excellence MCOE has been described as a major catalyst for transforming maritime manpower development in Africa through world-class training, international accreditation, advanced simulation technology and structured cadet development programmes. The NSML Maritime Centre of Excellence is a subsidiary and shipping arm of Nigeria LNG Limited NLNG.
Managing Director of NSML, Abdulkadir Kere Ahmed, stated this in a paper titled, “Overview of the NSML MCOE: Positive Disruption in Africa’s Maritime Manpower Development,” presented at the 2026 Maritime Training Institute Forum organised by the Association of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria AMJON in Lagos.
Ahmed said the global maritime industry was becoming increasingly technology-driven, creating growing demand for highly skilled professionals capable of meeting international standards.
He, however, noted that Africa continued to face significant manpower development challenges, including limited access to accredited maritime training institutions, inadequate simulator facilities, shortages of sea-time opportunities for cadets and dependence on foreign expertise in specialised maritime operations.
According to him, the NSML Maritime Centre of Excellence, located in Bonny, Rivers State, was established to address these gaps by providing an integrated platform for maritime training, consultancy, research and professional development.
He described the centre as a “positive disruptor”, saying it had moved beyond conventional classroom-based training by combining simulator-based learning, professional certification support, sea-time development, research and industry collaboration.
The NSML boss said the centre had secured several international accreditations, including certifications from DNV covering ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Systems and maritime training and simulator standards.
He added that the centre had also obtained accreditation from the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency, the Nautical Institute, Marshall Islands, Bermuda authorities and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).
These accreditations, he said, had enabled African maritime professionals to obtain globally recognised qualifications locally, thereby reducing the need to travel overseas for specialised training.
Ahmed further highlighted the centre’s investment in modern maritime technology, including advanced bridge and engine-room simulators as well as Dynamic Positioning systems.
He explained that the facilities enabled trainees to acquire practical experience in navigation, emergency response and vessel operations in a controlled and safe environment.
A major area of intervention, according to him, is addressing the persistent sea-time challenge confronting Nigerian cadets seeking professional certification.
He said through its Seafarers Continuous Development Programme, implemented in partnership with NIMASA and the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, the centre had supported 272 cadets who had completed their required sea-time training.
Another 54 cadets, he added, were currently progressing towards certification either in college or onboard vessels.
The presentation also disclosed that NSML employs more than 700 seafarers, making it the largest employer of qualified Nigerian seafarers and demonstrating the company’s commitment to developing indigenous maritime manpower.
Beyond training, Ahmed said the MCOE provided research, intelligence and consultancy services covering areas such as shipbuilding supervision, commercial project evaluation, dry-docking supervision and vessel-management advisory services.
These activities, he said, were contributing to strengthening industry knowledge while supporting the development of a more competent maritime workforce.
Looking ahead, the NSML managing director said the centre planned to expand its facilities and service offerings with support from the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board NCDMB.
He said the expansion would increase training capacity and make a wider range of international maritime certifications available to professionals within Nigeria.
Ahmed concluded that the NSML Maritime Centre of Excellence had emerged as a benchmark for maritime workforce development in Africa by integrating training, technology, mentorship, certification, research and industry partnerships to produce a globally competitive maritime workforce.