IMarEST supporting maritime and offshore professionals in Nigeria

A busy year for IMarEST in Nigeria, with plenty of technical discussions, career building opportunities and the development of a new maritime academy in Lagos.

With marine-based activities ranging from biotechnology, fisheries and shipping, Nigeria has the advantage of fully trained and educated professionals who, after studying in the UK, have returned to their homeland to offer their expertise and knowledge in the sector.

This year, the IMarEST branch in Nigeria has – in conjunction with legal advisers and headquarters – reviewed governance arrangements, constitutional requirements, trustee structures, and compliance obligations connected with establishing a Nigerian charitable entity aligned with IMarEST objectives. The ensuing talks emphasised the importance of keeping strong institutional links between the UK organisation and the future Nigerian legal entity, while ensuring compliance with local regulatory requirements.

“The development and formal execution of the Nigeria Branch Byelaws represent a major governance milestone,” says a spokesperson for the Branch. “Executive Committee members reviewed and executed the document, after which the final signed version was submitted to legal counsel for progression of registration activities.”

A main talking point of 2026 has been the development of the Maritime Academy incubated by the Centre of School of Maritime Studies, Centurion University. Based in Apapa, Lagos, the Academy offers a wealth of facilities for students.

The Academy has built a simulated vessel environment, with the aim of creating a genuine operating location for a hands-on learning experience. The replicated ship design provides a live environment for students as if they were on board the real thing.

Facilities include an up-to-date vessel bridge simulation room that features a 360-degree view deck; an electrical room simulator; and a crane and engine room simulator. The engineering training area boasts a genuine ship's engine with propeller shaft.

As well as the main simulated vessel, the Academy provides a range of learning facilities, including modern classrooms with hi-speed internet connection, learning areas and a large screen display. Students can also visit either a digital or physical library. The latter alternative offers a wealth of maritime research, with historical texts and engineering journals at students' disposals.

Other features in the Academy include accommodation, a dining room (and catering school), a sports assembly hall, emergency medical training facilities, and a swimming pool for aquatic training in order for students to be compliant with sea survival and water safety standards.

IMarEST Nigeria held a number of webinar activities during the year on a wide range of subjects. In February, Dr Gbenga Owolabi's marine career & chartership pathways webinar looked at IMarEST's career building and the launch of the M2M (Member-To Member) mentoring program. March saw Denise Okpala hold a webinar on women in Nigeria's marine & offshore sector, looking at how they are breaking barriers, and building careers.

Dr Paul Jukes chaired April's webinar on advanced engineering for the design, integrity and life extension of subsea pipelines and flowlines. The following month saw the chair of the branch virtually participate in the Organisation of Marine Science Professionals (OMSP) Career Pathways programme, providing an opportunity to introduce students and graduates to IMarEST membership pathways and professional registration opportunities. Finally, June 2026 saw Captain Vikas of the Lagos Maritime Academy host an IMarEST Nigeria Branch technical hybrid webinar. This involved re-evaluating mature asset strategies, Edge AI and autonomous optimisation of Gas Lift Systems by Dr. Nimi Abili.

Earlier this year, the IMarEST Houston Branch led by Dr. Nimi Abili, invited the IMarEST Nigeria Branch to an engagement with the Nigerian Institute of Marine Engineers and Naval Architects (NIMENA). During this meeting, talks were held on collaborative opportunities for professional development, talent development, industry events, policy engagement, and future conferences.

A number of events are planned for the rest of 2026. These include a career engagement event for students in marine-related programs at UNILAG and an IMarEST Members in Nigeria's Night 2026. This will be a single-evening event that combines an AGM-style update and a networking dinner for all grades of Nigerian membership (Fellows, members, graduates and students).

The event (scheduled for either November or December 2026) is intended to re-engage lapsed members, support conversion of student and graduate members to full professional grades and to give the branch a visible annual moment while CAC registration of a Nigerian legal entity is still in progress.

If you would like to join IMarEST Nigeria, you can find out more here.

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Main image: Apapa Port Complex, Lagos. Credit: Kehinde Temitope Odutayo / Shutterstock.