By Seun Ibiyemi
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has sealed off ShellPlux and TMDK Terminals, both located in the Ijegun-Egba area of Lagos, over their persistent failure to comply with the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.
As the Designated Authority for enforcing the ISPS Code in Nigeria, NIMASA took the enforcement action following repeated breaches by the two facilities, despite receiving multiple formal notifications to rectify the violations.
This action is in line with international standards and is backed by Section 79(f) of the ISPS Code Implementation Regulations (2014), which authorises the closure of any port facility that remains non-compliant for a period exceeding three calendar months.
Commenting on the enforcement, the Director General of NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola, reaffirmed the Agency’s resolve to protect Nigeria’s maritime interests.
“This decision was not taken lightly,” he said. “Our objective remains the consistent enforcement of security and safety measures across all ports and jetties in Nigeria. At a time when we are working closely with the United States Coast Guard to lift the conditions of entry imposed on vessels from Nigeria, we cannot allow any oversight that could undermine the progress we have made.”
Dr Mobereola stated that the sealed facilities would be allowed to resume operations once they fully meet the compliance requirements. He acknowledged their significance in supporting trade and service delivery within the sector.
He further noted the commitment of the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, to fostering sustainable and secure trade facilitation across Nigeria’s maritime domain.
The ISPS Code, which forms part of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), was established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to strengthen maritime and port security, particularly in ports handling international cargo.