The official register of the Niger
The Niger Riverways and Maritime Authority (NRMA) is the official ship registry for river and ocean-going vessels of the Republic of Niger — administered under the National River and Maritime Act 2021 [CAP 131].
A registry built for working vessels
Fleet Focus
Specialises in dredgers, tugs, small transporters and supply vessels rather than massive container giants.
Support Services
Legal, banking, insurance, technical management, and offshore registration services.
River Ports
Operates the inland major trading ports along the River Niger, serving regional heavy goods.
Protecting the integrity of the Niger
NRMA provides shipowners, operators and financiers with a straightforward registration framework backed by statute, secure registry records and practical, service-driven administration. Our focus is simple: protect the integrity of the Niger flag while delivering efficient, predictable outcomes for legitimate maritime business.
From initial registration and certification through ongoing compliance support, the Maritime Administrator issues official documentation, publishes operational guidance, and works with approved partners to help Niger-flagged vessels meet applicable international requirements.
We aim to deliver the kind of flag-state performance shipowners expect from leading registries: commercially practical, consistently applied and standards-driven.
- Safety and Port State Control (PSC) readiness
- Environmental responsibility and convention alignment
- Integrity measures, including risk-based screening and enforcement where required
- Clear guidance through circulars, policies and published requirements
- Respect for due process, transparency and professional recordkeeping
Designed for modern shipping
The Maritime Act recognises electronic certificates and e-signatures as legally valid, with secure, real-time verification.
- Electronic certificates as the standard method of issuance (with controlled exceptions where needed)
- Electronic signatures with legal recognition, subject to approved authentication standards
- QR / reference-based verification features to support immediate authenticity checks
- Secure digital recordkeeping to support efficient administration and auditability
What the register covers
The vessels we register, the core requirements to qualify, and the document standards every application must meet.
Vessel types supported
Subject to eligibility requirements.
- Commercial ships engaged in international trade
- Passenger and coastal vessels
- Commercial and private yachts
- Fishing vessels and support vessels
- Special purpose vessels (tugs, offshore support and service craft)
Core requirements
A Certificate of Registry is issued once statutory requirements are met.
- Clear proof of ownership and authority to register the vessel.
- Proper cancellation or consent documentation where the vessel previously held foreign registration.
- Seaworthiness and technical readiness, including classification status where applicable.
- Correct vessel markings and identifiers (name, official number, tonnage and home port).
- Measurement / tonnage documentation required for registry records.
Document standards
Non-negotiable — documents must be complete and properly executed.
- Names of parties must match across all documents (owners, managers, authorised signatories).
- Vessel identifiers must be consistent (name, IMO number where applicable, previous names / flags).
- Transfers and mortgages must be signed by authorised persons with clear authority.
- Any amendments or corrections must be clean and traceable (no unexplained alterations).
From application to certificate
A clear, step-by-step path — with a pre-check for reflagging, financing or closing timelines.
Submit online
Submit the application online and upload supporting documents.
Request a pre-check
Recommended if you are reflagging, financing or working under a closing timeline.
Review & screening
NRMA reviews ownership, eligibility and compliance screening.
Confirm requirements
Technical and statutory requirements are confirmed, including class / survey inputs where applicable.
Settle fees
Fees are invoiced and settled per the published schedule.
Certificate issued
The Permanent Certificate of Registry is issued electronically with verification features.
Electronic certificate verification
Certificates are issued electronically. Verification is performed by scanning the QR code or using the reference-based validation features shown on the document. Counterparties can request official confirmation through the registry.
When originals may still be required
Certain legal instruments or jurisdiction-specific formalities may still require originals or wet-ink execution. If originals are needed, NRMA will notify the applicant during the pre-check to avoid last-minute delays.
Registry questions
If the vessel was previously registered elsewhere, NRMA will require appropriate cancellation or consent documentation. This protects the integrity of the register and avoids dual-registration risk.
A register built on integrity
Statute-backed, electronically issued and standards-driven — the official register for river and ocean-going vessels of the Republic of Niger.
Ready to fly the Niger flag?
Start your vessel registration, seafarer endorsement or river-boat registration. Reach the right department directly — Mon–Sat: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
Reach us directly
- Call the registry+227 (0) 925 286 1562
- Email an enquirytechnical@nigerwaterways.com
- Head officeKM 13 Onitsha–Enugu Expressway, Umunya-433101, Anambra, Niger
