Recent reforms introduced by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to strengthen Nigeria’s compliance with global maritime standards have drawn attention across the sector, particularly among practitioners navigating the evolving certification landscape. The policy shift, which seeks closer alignment with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), is widely regarded as a critical step toward improving the international recognition and portability of Nigerian Certificates of Competency (CoC).
Maritime analyst and practitioner Mujahid Al-Ibenu, in his assessment of the development, described the reforms as a necessary recalibration of Nigeria’s maritime training and licensing framework. According to him, the initiative reflects a broader effort to bridge existing competency gaps between legacy academic curricula and evolving international requirements governing modern shipping operations.
At the core of the reforms is a structured revalidation system designed to upgrade existing certifications across different categories of maritime personnel. Under the new framework, National Diploma (ND) holders are required to complete a six-month revalidation programme as part of the pathway toward obtaining the Officer of the Watch (OOW) certification. For Higher National Diploma (HND) holders, the process involves a six-month academic revalidation, complemented by stipulated sea time and oral examinations, forming part of a progressive route toward senior certifications such as Chief Mate and Master Mariner.
The most extensive adjustment applies to holders of Near Coastal Voyage (NCV) certification, who are now expected to undertake a two-year academy programme before becoming eligible for OOW certification under international standards. Industry observers note that this requirement reflects the need to transition from limited domestic operations to full compliance with global maritime competency frameworks.
Al-Ibenu noted that the revalidation period should not be viewed as a procedural requirement alone, but as a targeted effort to address gaps in technical, safety, and operational training. He pointed out that updated STCW standards now include critical competencies such as advanced electronic navigation systems, enhanced maritime security awareness, and specialised technical modules that were not fully integrated into earlier training structures.
He further observed that the reforms introduce significant implications for the officers’ cadre, particularly in relation to career progression and certification timelines. While acknowledging the long-term benefits of standardisation and global recognition, he cautioned that the transition may create short-term pressures for existing professionals adjusting to the new requirements.
In addition, Al-Ibenu urged NIMASA to give due consideration to holders of Associate Certificates in Nautical Science, as well as those currently undergoing the programme. He noted that such programmes were previously conducted under the approval and regulatory oversight of the agency, and that recent changes appear to have created uncertainty regarding their relevance within the new certification framework.
As part of efforts to gain further clarity, Al-Ibenu engaged in discussions with the Provost of Charkin Maritime Academy, Dr. Egben Okore. According to the provost, much of the ongoing discourse around the reforms remains at a preliminary stage, with several aspects yet to be formally implemented. He advised stakeholders to disregard unverified information, noting that official positions would be communicated through formal notices from NIMASA.
Dr. Okore explained that while reforms are underway, the primary objective is to upgrade curriculum standards, particularly for new intakes, rather than to entirely eliminate existing programmes. He encouraged both graduates and current students to remain optimistic, indicating that the Associate Certificate in Nautical Science may undergo restructuring in terms of curriculum and nomenclature rather than complete discontinuation.
He further noted that, based on current understanding, holders of Associate Certificates may be limited to Near Coastal Voyage (NCV) eligibility, while National Diploma holders would continue to qualify for unlimited certification pathways. He added that the full implementation of the revised framework is likely to occur over a transitional period of up to two years, coinciding with the rollout of updated curricula.
According to Al-Ibenu, addressing these concerns is essential, as it falls within the broader responsibility of the regulatory body to ensure continuity and fairness in professional development pathways. He emphasised that resolving such issues at the grassroots level would help strengthen trust between maritime professionals and regulatory institutions.
He further highlighted the importance of maintaining transparency and consistency in licensing procedures, noting that unresolved administrative challenges could affect confidence within segments of the maritime workforce. According to him, the success of the reform process will depend largely on how effectively regulatory authorities manage stakeholder concerns and institutional coordination.
The reforms also place renewed focus on approved training institutions tasked with delivering the revalidation programmes. Among those recognised are the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron; the Federal College of Fisheries and Marine Technology, Lagos; and Charkin Maritime Academy, Port Harcourt. These institutions are expected to play a central role in implementing the upgraded training modules required to meet international benchmarks.
Despite concerns around transition and implementation, Al-Ibenu expressed optimism about the broader direction of Nigeria’s maritime sector. He commended ongoing efforts under the leadership of the Director-General of NIMASA, Dayo Mobereola, noting that the current administration has made significant strides toward aligning Nigeria’s maritime framework with global best practices.
He added that sustained reform, combined with inclusive stakeholder engagement, could position Nigeria more competitively within the global maritime industry, particularly as demand for highly trained and internationally compliant officers continues to grow.
As the sector adapts to these changes, the balance between regulatory advancement and operational practicality remains a key consideration. For industry participants, the reforms signal both a challenge and an opportunity, one that may ultimately redefine the trajectory of maritime training, certification, and professional development in Nigeria.
