UK certification validates MCOE quality, says NSML boss

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Limited, Abdulkadir Ahmed, has stated that the latest certification of the Maritime Centre of Excellence by the UK’s Nautical Institute is a strong validation of the quality, rigour, and relevance of the training delivered at the centre.

According to a recent statement, Ahmed made this known while addressing journalists in Lagos over the weekend.

Ahmed described MCOE as NSML’s hub for maritime training, research, and competence development, stressing that the certification confirms that the MCOE meets internationally accepted standards for competence development and operational excellence.

“This latest certification from the UK Nautical Institute is a strong validation of the quality, rigour, and relevance of the training delivered at the Centre. It confirms that the MCOE meets internationally accepted standards for competence development and operational excellence,” he said.

He noted that this is not the first recognition of its kind, adding that the MCOE is already accredited by DNV under globally recognised standards, including ISO 9001:2015 for quality management systems and the DNV-ST-0029 standard, for maritime simulator and training centres.

Ahmed maintained that these certifications reinforce the company’s commitment to quality, consistency, and excellence in training delivery.

According to him, building on this foundation, the MCOE is now licensed by the UK Nautical Institute to deliver key dynamic positioning programmes, including “induction, simulator, revalidation, and vessel maintenance courses. Today, the Centre stands as one of the institutes in West Africa with this level of nautical institute accreditation for DP training.”

On the significance of the achievement to Nigeria, Ahmed pointed out that it will strengthen the nation’s global standing: “Certification by globally respected bodies affirms that the standard of training and expertise developed here in Nigeria can compete with the best anywhere in the world.

“It enhances the employability and mobility of Nigerian maritime professionals with internationally recognised training; our seafarers are better positioned to access opportunities across global fleets and offshore operations. It reinforces our commitment to building capacity locally. This milestone demonstrates clearly that world-class maritime training can be delivered here at home, reducing reliance on foreign institutions while raising national capability. It also reinforces safety and professionalism within the sector. Maritime operations demand discipline, technical competence, and continuous learning. The certifications obtained by the MCOE affirm that the professionals trained here meet high international expectations in performance, safety, and operational readiness.”

Ahmed noted that beyond the industry, the impact is broader, stressing that a stronger maritime workforce contributes directly to trade, shipping, offshore operations, and the growth of Nigeria’s blue economy, supporting job creation, productivity, and national competitiveness.

He emphasised that the achievement was a result of deliberate and sustained effort, reflecting a strategic investment in infrastructure, curriculum development, instructor capability, and robust quality assurance systems.

“Our goal has always been clear: to build not just a training institution, but a true centre of excellence. While we are proud of this milestone, we also recognise the responsibility it brings; it challenges us to continue raising standards, deepening innovation, and maintaining global best practices in everything we do,” he said.

He added that NSML remains committed to further strengthening the MCOE, expanding access to maritime training for young Nigerians, and deepening partnerships that align with international standards.

“Our ambition is clear: to build a maritime institution that Nigeria is proud of and one that is respected across the global maritime community,” he said.

The Maritime Centre of Excellence is NSML’s one-stop shop for maritime research and training, established to provide world-class maritime expertise in Nigeria, West Africa, and the world at large. Currently operating from Bonny Island, Rivers State, this internationally accredited training institute is fitted with hi-tech simulators and facilities suited to support the professional development of maritime professionals, offering an expanding range of both generic and mandatory maritime courses.