Nigeria has commenced moves to restructure the nation’s ship registry in a bid to ensure the utilisation of secured statutory certificates and prevent the entry of unseaworthy and sub-standard ships into the Nigerian flag.
Also, the government has commenced the issuance of new certificates of ship registration while simultaneously phasing out the old permits.
Ship registration is the process by which a ship is documented and given the nationality of the country to which the ship has been documented. The nationality allows a ship to travel internationally as it is proof of ownership of the vessel.
Ship registration is used to document ships for ownership. Documentation provides definite evidence of nationality for international purposes and provides financing opportunities with the availability of preferred mortgages on documented vessels.
All vessels, according to the rules of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), are expected to register under a country of their choice, the maritime administration, which in turn permits such ship to fly their flag.
Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Bashir Jamoh, who disclosed this in a statement said the government was restructuring the Nigerian Ship Registration Office for efficient and effective service delivery.
“We are determined to grow our national fleet and tonnage to an enviable height. We are committed to ensuring that our ship registry remains of international standard and this is why we have enhanced our certificates with more security features that would stand the test of time.’’
