Expert Calls for 24-Hour Ship Registration to Boost Nigeria's Maritime Sector
Dr Anthony Onoharigho, Rector of Conarina Maritime Academy and former deputy registrar of the Liberia Maritime Authority, has emphasized the need for Nigeria to adopt an open ship registry model that allows vessel registration within 24 hours. In an interview with Adaku Onyenucheya, he highlighted the benefits of such a system for the country's maritime industry.
Liberia's Open Registry Model
Liberia operates one of the largest ship registries globally, using an open registry system. Nigeria, on the other hand, relies on a closed registry. Dr Onoharigho noted that a planned memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Liberian Maritime Authority and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) could help Nigeria learn from Liberia's approach. He has long advocated for an open registry, arguing that Nigeria's low fleet level prevents it from achieving Category B or C status on the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) whitelist.
Challenges with Nigeria's Current System
Under the current system, registering a vessel under the Nigerian flag can take weeks or even months. Dr Onoharigho explained that in contrast, registering a vessel under the Bolivia flag takes just 24 hours. The bureaucratic process in Nigeria involves non-exclusive surveyors who must board the vessel, submit reports, and undergo lengthy approval procedures. This inefficiency discourages shipowners from choosing the Nigerian flag.
Benefits of an Open Registry
An open registry would offer several advantages:
- Economic Gains: Vessels registered under the Nigerian flag would pay annual fees, generating revenue for the country.
- Employment Opportunities: More vessels flying the Nigerian flag would create jobs for seafarers and maritime professionals.
- Enhanced Global Image: A credible and well-regulated registry would improve Nigeria's international maritime reputation.
- Increased Fleet Size: By attracting foreign vessels, Nigeria could rapidly expand its fleet, similar to Liberia and Panama.
Recommendations for Implementation
Dr Onoharigho recommended reducing bureaucratic hurdles and enabling online registration. He stressed that combining an open registry with effective cabotage enforcement would maximize benefits. Liberia's registry operations are largely managed in the United States, with the government receiving a retainer fee. Nigeria could adopt a similar model to streamline processes and attract more vessels.
In conclusion, Dr Onoharigho believes that studying the Liberian model is a win-win situation for Nigeria, offering a pathway to a more efficient and prosperous maritime sector.
