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About the Association of Chandlers and Ship Suppliers of Nigeria (ACSSN)
Who We Are
The ACSSN. Full-Fledged Ship Chandler practitioner is Licensed by the Nigerian Customs Service Board Act. (NCSB) Pursuant to the creation of the Nigerian Customs and Excise Management Act.(CEMA) and or CEMA Regulations. And Subsequently Properly inducted into the Ship Chandler practice as a member of the Association of Chandler's and Ship Suppliers of Nigeria (ACSSN) The Ship Chandler trade is an irreducible minimum dynamics of the Marketing four (4) P's Marine Logistics processes for effective deliveries of Ship stores - Technical, Deck, Bonded, Pantry Stores and Foods (fresh & Dry)Frish Water and Bunker fuels, Including Seafarers Hospitality Arrangements for the Sustenance of World fleets. Subsequently Including the Movement of Consignee Consignor Provisions for oil & gas Exploration and Exploitation, Maritime Development Support Services in the ISPS(code) Designated areas, Midstream Location's Maintenance of the Petroleum, Maritime Subsector of the Nigerian Economy.
Our Mandate & Legal Basis
ACSSN operates under the framework of:
- The Ship Chandling Act of Parliament, 1958 – which established the profession in Nigeria.
- Customs and Excise Management Act (CEMA) Section 24 – which regulates the licensing and operations of ship chandlers.
- Nigerian Customs Service Board Act (NCSB) – which governs the induction and licensing of practitioners.
Internationally, ACSSN aligns with the International Ship Suppliers Association (ISSA) standards for best practices in ship supply.
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 our joint committee with the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), we drive the use of Nigerian chandlers in the oil & gas industry, reducing capital flight and creating jobs.
- Standards & Professionalism – We enforce professional standards, combat illegal and unlicensed chandling, and are establishing a training school to raise industry capacity.
- Industry Collaboration – We provide a platform for networking, business development, and partnership among members, ship agents, terminal operators, and vessel owners.
Key Challenges We Address
- Foreign Domination – Foreign firms dominate upstream ship supply, leading to an estimated $7.2bn–$20bn annual capital flight from Nigeria.
- Illegal Operations – Unlicensed chandlers undermine safety, revenue, and the rule of law.
- Outdated Regulations – CEMA Section 24 has not been reviewed since 1968.
- Harassment & Access – Members face harassment from multiple agencies and high port/terminal fees.
- Access to Finance – High upfront costs for supply contracts and lack of funding.
Why Work with ACSSN Members?
Only ACSSN-licensed chandlers are legally permitted to supply vessels in Nigerian waters. Partnering with our members ensures:
- Legal Compliance – Full adherence to CEMA Section 24 and Nigerian maritime laws.
- Local Expertise – Deep knowledge of Nigerian ports, ISPS-designated areas, and offshore logistics.
- Local Content Compliance – Meets Nigerian Content requirements for oil & gas operations.
- Reliability – Vetted companies with proven capacity to supply world fleets.
Our Vision
To build a robust, indigenous ship supply industry that generates $15bn–$20bn annually, creates over 30,000 jobs, and positions Nigeria as West Africa's leading maritime services hub.
Membership Snapshot
As of 2026, ACSSN has 45 licensed members. Nationally, there are 145 licensed Nigerian chandlers (2018 data). Membership requirements include:
- Valid NPA Ship Chandler License (under CEMA Section 24)
- CAC Certificate of Incorporation
- 3‑year Tax Clearance Certificate
- Company profile and evidence of operational capacity
- Payment of prescribed membership fees
- Successful vetting by the ACSSN executive committee
Contact & NCDMB Liaison
For membership inquiries, vessel owner enquiries, or business partnerships, contact the ACSSN/NCDMB Joint Committee through the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board:
- NCDMB Headquarters: Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria
- Phone: +234 809 999 8855
- Website: ncdmb.gov.ng
- Lagos Office: 44/46, Calcutta Crescent, Apapa, Lagos
CAC Certificate & Constitution
CAC Registration: Association of Chandlers and Ship Suppliers of Nigeria is duly registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (RC No. 3279 / CAC/TT/NO 84360). Download Certificate & Constitution (PDF)
