Oil & Gas
By Anthony Isibor
THE Nigerian LNG Shipping and Marine Services Limited, NSML, says that Nigeria’s maritime industry must shift its focus from asset ownership to building the technical competence needed to operate vessels to global standards if indigenous participation is to remain sustainable.
Speaking during a strategic panel session on “From Ownership to Competence – The Role of Maritime Training and Capacity Development” at the 2026 Nigeria Oil and Gas (NOG) Energy Week, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NSML, Abdul-Kadir K. Ahmed, said that the company was created primarily to provide opportunities for Nigerians to participate in the global maritime industry through technical management rather than vessel ownership.
Ahmed explained that NSML’s experience has shown that sustainable growth in the sector depends more on developing skilled people and strong operational systems than on acquiring assets.
“The key element is how do we domesticate the capacity to operate globally,” Ahmed said.
According to him, competence development requires structured investment in people, systems and processes, adding that there are no shortcuts to building internationally competitive maritime capabilities.
Ahmed also addressed diversity in the maritime workforce, describing it as a global challenge that requires deliberate action rather than good intentions.
He disclosed that NSML has adopted a diversity, equity and inclusion policy with a target of raising female representation among seafarers to 30 per cent over the next decade.
Beyond recruitment, he said that the company had introduced measures to improve the working environment for women at sea, including better onboard facilities, anti-harassment policies and an independent whistle-blowing mechanism.
According to him, every reported case of bullying or harassment is investigated independently under the company’s zero-tolerance policy.
Ahmed said NSML is also reviewing work patterns, including the length of time seafarers spend onboard vessels, to make maritime careers more attractive and sustainable.
He added that the company continues to invest in local vessel operations and training as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s maritime competence and develop future industry leaders.
A.I
July 10, 2026
Tags: Abdul-Kadir K. Ahmed Nigerian LNG Shipping and Marine Services Limited NSML