Maritime Expert Calls For Open Ship Registry To Drive Economic Growth
A former Deputy Registrar of the Liberian Maritime Authority and maritime expert, Captain Anthony Onoharigho, has called on the Federal Government to embrace open ship registry regime as part of efforts to boost revenue, expand Nigeria’s vessel fleet, create jobs and strengthen the nation’s standing in the global maritime industry.
Onoharigho made the call while reacting to recent discussions between the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the Malta Ship Registry at Posidonia 2026 in Athens, Greece, where both parties explored areas of collaboration to modernise Nigeria’s Ship Registry.
He noted that the engagement offers Nigeria a chance to learn from successful maritime jurisdictions such as Malta and Liberia, which operate globally competitive registries that attract vessel owners worldwide.
According to him, Nigeria’s current ship registration framework remains restrictive and bureaucratic, discouraging shipowners who prefer jurisdictions with simple, transparent and fast processes.
“One of the reasons Nigeria has not been able to significantly increase its fleet size is the cumbersome nature of vessel registration. Shipowners naturally prefer countries where registration can be completed within 24 hours, whereas the process may take weeks or even months in Nigeria,” he said.
Onoharigho explained that adopting an open registry would encourage more vessels to fly the Nigerian flag, thereby increasing fleet tonnage and enhancing the country’s visibility in international maritime circles.
He said that every vessel registered under Nigeria’s flag serves as an ambassador across global waters, generating both prestige and steady revenue through annual fees, adding that a competitive registry would attract greater investment into the maritime sector and improve confidence among local and international shipowners.
Beyond revenue, he said an open registry regime, combined with effective implementation of the Cabotage Act, could significantly increase employment opportunities for Nigerian seafarers and maritime professionals, saying that expanding the fleet would provide sea-time experience for cadets and create jobs for thousands of trained graduates seeking opportunities.
He urged policymakers to study successful models in Malta and Liberia, stressing that reforms aimed at increasing vessel registration, improving regulatory efficiency and encouraging indigenous participation would unlock Nigeria’s maritime potential.
Expressing optimism, Onoharigho said the partnership discussions between NIMASA and Malta could serve as a catalyst for broader reforms capable of transforming Nigeria into a major maritime hub in Africa.
“If the right reforms are implemented, Nigeria can become one of Africa’s leading maritime nations. The opportunity is there. What is needed is the political will and commitment to build a ship registry that is efficient, competitive and attractive to vessel owners around the world,” he added.
