NSML Managing Director, Mr. Abdulkadir Ahmed
NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Limited (NSML) has been awarded the Maritime Excellence Service Award by the Association of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria (AMJON), in recognition of its leadership in sustainable shipping, human capital development, and innovation in the maritime sector.
The award was presented at the AMJON Annual Conference held at the Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos. NSML’s Managing Director, Mr. Abdulkadir Ahmed, was represented at the event by Mr. Mutiu Olayiwole, Manager, Finance & Corporate Services, who delivered a keynote address titled “The Evolving Global Maritime Regulatory Environment – The Role of Maritime Training and Capacity Development.”
In his remarks, Ahmed stressed the need for a highly skilled and adaptable maritime workforce in the face of evolving global regulatory challenges, particularly those driven by decarbonisation targets, cyber risks, and digital transformation.
“As global regulations shift, compliance, safety, and efficiency depend on our ability to train and empower seafarers and maritime professionals,” he said.
He emphasized NSML’s proactive response to these changes through ongoing investments in training and manpower development. One such initiative is the Maritime Centre of Excellence (MCOE) in Bonny, Rivers State — the first in Africa accredited by the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (UK MCA). The centre is also certified by DNV and approved by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), allowing it to offer STCW 2010-compliant courses.
NSML has also recorded major achievements in its Structured Cadetship Development Programme (SCDP), training over 200 cadets—many of whom now serve aboard NSML-managed vessels. The company has reached an 85% Nigerianisation rate among its seafaring crew and achieved full Nigerian staffing in its onshore operations.
The company’s state-of-the-art maritime simulation suite—one of the most sophisticated in Africa—offers immersive, real-time training across bridge, engine room, cargo handling, and emergency response operations.
In a joint statement signed by AMJON President Kelvin Kagbare, Secretary Segun Oladipupo, and Chairman of the Planning Committee Paul Ogbuokiri, the association described NSML as a maritime industry leader, commending the company’s “leading role in sustainable shipping, capacity building, and innovation in the maritime sector.”
The statement further praised NSML’s consistent efforts in raising standards across Nigeria’s maritime landscape, citing its influence on training, fleet modernization, and strategic development of local content.
Beyond training, NSML is actively involved in modernising its operations. The company is overseeing the construction of a 23,000m³ LPG vessel in South Korea and has recently added dual-fuel LNG carriers—AXIOS II and AKTORAS—to its fleet, as part of its vessel renewal programme.
Ahmed also commended AMJON for its role in shaping the national maritime discourse and reaffirmed NSML’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s blue economy agenda.
“We are honoured by this recognition. It validates our strategy of investing in people, technology, and excellence to build a resilient and sustainable maritime future for Nigeria and Africa,” he said.
The conference attracted stakeholders from across the maritime ecosystem, including government agencies, industry operators, and civil society, all aligning on the need for a skilled workforce to drive sustainable growth in the sector.
Brief notes about Nigeria Ship Management Limited (NSML)
For over two decades, the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) shipping arm, Nigeria Ship Management Limited (NSML), has quietly but resolutely weathered the turbulent seas of global maritime logistics. Tasked with the vital responsibility of managing NLNG’s fleet — one of Africa’s largest LNG carriers — NSML’s journey has been anything but smooth sailing.
From technical gaps and crewing challenges to global regulatory shifts and cybersecurity threats, the operational challenges faced by NSML have tested its resilience and adaptability. But through a bold combination of innovation, human capital investment, and strategic realignment, the company has emerged as a continental model in modern ship management.
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