House flag, Nigerian National Line Ltd

The house flag of the Nigerian National Line Ltd, Lagos. A green flag with a white letter 'N'. The flag is made of a wool and synthetic fibre bunting. It has a cotton hoist and is machine sewn. A rope and toggle is attached.

The Nigerian National Line was created in February 1959 following the recommendation of the Nigerian Federal Parliament to begin a Nigerian-run shipping line. Up until that point, all of Nigeria’s shipping was controlled by foreign shipping companies. There was concern in the Nigerian government about foreign control of its shipping, and the Nigerian Parliament felt that creation of a federally-run shipping line would help boost Nigeria’s maritime industry. Ironically the Nigerian National Line was owned and operated by three separate entities, two of them foreign: the Nigerian government (51% share), the Elder Dempster shipping company out of Liverpool (33% share) and the Palm Line (16%). By the summer of 1959 the line was operating three vessels. The line ran cargo ships to and from the UK and other European ports, as well as handling all government cargo in and out of Nigeria. By 1975 the Nigerian National Line had 15 ships. In 1996 the company became part of the African Unity Line.

Object Details

ID: AAA0316
Collection: Textiles; Flags
Type: House flag
Display location: Not on display
Creator: Unknown
Date made: 1955-1967; 1955-67
People: Nigerian National Line Ltd, Lagos; Pope, Charles Meredyth
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London, Pope Collection. We regret that Museum enquiries have not been able to identify the copyright owner of the flag's emblem and would welcome any information that would help us update our records. Please contact the Picture Library.
Measurements: flag: 1219.2 x 1854.2 mm