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About Image

About Us

The Association at a Glance

ACSSN is the recognised umbrella body for licensed ship chandlers in Nigeria. Established in 1958, our members supply provisions, deck and engine stores, safety equipment, and bonded goods to vessels across Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Warri. Only ACSSN‑licensed chandlers are legally authorised to bring supplies onboard vessels under Nigerian law.

1

Years Experience

  • 31+ Licensed Members
  • 100% – Legally compliant members (CEMA Section 24)
  • Support 24/7

What We Do

Advocacy & Representation

We engage The Nigerian Customs Service Board (NCSB), Including The Regulating, Maritime, Oil & Gas, Federal Ministries, Department & Agencies (MDA's).

Local Content Promotion

Through NCDMB joint committee, we drive Nigerian chandlers in oil & gas, reducing capital flight.

Standards & Professionalism

We enforce standards, combat illegal chandling, and run a training school for practitioners.

Industry Collaboration

Networking, business development, and partnerships among members and vessel owners.

Key Challenges We Address

  • Foreign Domination – $7.2bn–$20bn annual capital flight from upstream oil & gas supply.
  • Illegal Operations – Unlicensed chandlers undermine safety, revenue, and the rule of law.
  • Outdated Regulations – CEMA Section 24 unchanged since 1968.
  • Harassment & Access – Multiple agency harassment and high terminal fees.
  • Access to Finance – High upfront costs for supply contracts.

Accreditation & Certifications


Our Guiding Principles

Mission Statement

To promote, regulate, and advance the interests of licensed ship chandlers and ship suppliers in Nigeria, ensuring compliance, professionalism, and the growth of indigenous capacity in the maritime and oil & gas sectors.

Vision Statement

To make Nigeria the leading hub for indigenous ship supply and marine logistics services in West Africa.

Integrity

Upholding highest standards of compliance, transparency, and ethical conduct.

Professionalism

Commitment to excellence, safety, and continuous improvement.

Local Content Advancement

Championing Nigerian capacity, jobs, and enterprise in maritime supply chain.

Legally Mandated *
Locally Focused*
Industry Advocacy *
Licensed Suppliers *
Trusted Network *
Technology in Motion *
Become a member

How to Join ACSSN

Becoming a licensed ship chandler and an ACSSN member involves two main steps. Below is the complete process.

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Step 1

Get Licensed as a Ship Chandler

Apply to the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) through the Port Manager. Requirements include: (1) Letter of application to the Port Manager (2) Certificate of Registration with Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) (3) 3 years Tax Clearance Certificate (4) Customs & Excise approval under CEMA Section 24 (5) Company profile, evidence of warehouse/store, financial capability

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Step 2

Join ACSSN

Once you have your NPA ship chandler license, apply for ACSSN membership. You will need: (1) Copy of NPA ship chandler license (2) CAC certificate (3) Company profile and contact details (4) Payment of membership/registration fees (as determined by the association) (5) Attend vetting/interview with the ACSSN executive committee

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For partnership (ship owners & suppliers)

How to Work with ACSSN

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01

Verify a Member

Search our directory to confirm a chandler is ACSSN-licensed and legally authorised.

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02

Request Quote

Contact any licensed member directly for provisions, deck stores, or engine spares.

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Vessel Supply

Member delivers supplies onboard – fully compliant with NPA, Customs, and ISPS.

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Support & Compliance

ACSSN ensures dispute resolution and enforces industry standards.

FAQ Help

Your questions about licensed ship supply—answered

Licensed ship chandlers supply provisions (fresh and dry food), deck and engine stores, bonded goods (alcohol, tobacco), cabin and galley equipment, medical supplies, spare parts, lubricants, freshwater, and bunker fuels to vessels, rigs, and offshore installations in Nigerian waters.

You must apply to the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) through the Port Manager with your CAC certificate, tax clearance (3 years), Customs approval under CEMA Section 24, company profile, and a fee of approximately ₦200,000. Once licensed, you can apply for ACSSN membership.

Under Nigerian law (CEMA Section 24, 1958 Act), only licensed chandlers are legally permitted to bring supplies onboard vessels. Using unlicensed suppliers is a criminal offence and exposes your vessel to delays, penalties, and security risks.

Visit our Member Directory page, search by company name or zone (Lagos, Port Harcourt, Warri), and confirm their license status. You can also contact the ACSSN secretariat or the NCDMB‑ACSSN Joint Committee.

A partnership between ACSSN and the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) to promote the use of Nigerian licensed chandlers in the oil and gas industry, enforce local content, and reduce capital flight.

Yes, but they must partner with a licensed ACSSN member or form a joint venture with a Nigerian company. Direct supply by foreign firms without a local licensed partner is restricted by local content laws.

Membership fees are determined by the association’s executive committee. Contact the secretariat or the NCDMB‑ACSSN Joint Committee for current fee structures.

Yes. ACSSN is establishing a training school to certify and raise the professional standards of new entrants into ship chandling. Details will be published on this website.

Use the Report a Security Issue form on our Contact page or email compliance@acssn.org. All reports are treated confidentially.

We have members operating in three major zones: Lagos Zone, Port Harcourt Zone, and Warri Zone. Use our Member Directory to find suppliers by zone.