By Ejire Folakunmi
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has restated its commitment to strengthening port security to meet global standards, as the United States Coast Guard (USCG) deepens technical support for Nigeria’s compliance with the International Ships and Ports Facility Security (ISPS) Code.
A five-member USCG delegation, led by Chief of International Port Security Operations, Mr. Bryan Ullmer, concluded a five-day assessment of key port facilities in Lagos. The team inspected Rano, PTML, Five Star Logistics Terminal, Standard Flour Mill, and NNPC Jetty to evaluate their level of ISPS Code compliance.
Speaking after the tour, Ullmer said Nigeria had recorded “measurable progress” in port security since the PICOMSS era, though gaps remain.
“While there is still work to be done, the improvements across the facilities visited are significant. We remain committed to deepening collaboration with NIMASA to achieve full alignment with international maritime security standards,” he said.
NIMASA Director General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, said the agency would sustain momentum to close identified gaps and ensure Nigeria meets global best practices.
“We recognize that while notable progress has been made, more effort is required. We will continue to engage proactively to ensure the complete removal of the Condition of Entry on Nigerian-bound vessels,” Mobereola stated.
He added that NIMASA, under the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, is intensifying compliance efforts across all port facilities. Full compliance, he noted, would improve Nigeria’s maritime reputation and boost trade and investment.
The NIMASA-USCG partnership is part of broader efforts to align Nigeria’s maritime security framework with international standards and enhance competitiveness in global shipping and port operations.