Port security: Nigeria has made tremendous progress — US Coast Guard
…We will sustain momentum — NIMASA DG
By Seun Ibiyemi
The United States Coast Guard has praised Nigeria, along with the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), for what it described as significant advancements in the implementation of the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.
This commendation was made public by Joe Prince Larson of the US Coast Guard, who led a delegation from the International Port Security Programme on a working tour of several terminals and ports in Nigeria to evaluate the extent of ISPS Code enforcement across the country’s port facilities.
The team had previously conducted inspection visits to the Dangote Port and Lekki Free Trade Zones in Lekki, Lagos State, as well as private port facilities operated by Matrix and Julius Berger in Warri, Delta State.
While delivering an interim assessment report to NIMASA’s management, Larson observed that Nigeria’s compliance with the ISPS Code ranks among the best in the world.
He further stated that his team would submit their findings to the leadership of the US Coast Guard and expressed confidence in NIMASA’s ability to uphold the high standards already achieved.
According to Mr Larson, “We had the privilege of visiting Matrix and Julius Berger in Warri, Delta State, before proceeding to the Lekki Deep Seaport and Dangote Port in Lagos, and our overall assessment has been highly favourable.
“We observed a strong and thorough understanding of the ISPS Code’s implementation in Nigeria, with the level of compliance comparable to some of the world’s leading maritime nations. We will relay our findings to US Coast Guard headquarters accordingly.”
Speaking on the assessment, the Director-General of NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to sustaining the improved compliance levels at Nigeria’s ports and acknowledged the positive impact this has on the country’s global reputation.
He further stated that the agency would continue supporting initiatives under the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, to enhance standards within Nigeria’s maritime sector.
According to him, “I must express my delight at the positive feedback we have received from the USCG delegation, as it serves as recognition of the Federal Government’s dedication to the development of the sector. It also reflects the agency’s efforts, under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, to ensure adherence to international port security standards.”
The US Coast Guard has consistently collaborated with NIMASA to carry out on-the-spot evaluations of Nigerian ports’ compliance with the ISPS Code.
These assessments, initiated last year as part of a three-year plan, aim to provide actionable insights and data-driven decisions to facilitate the removal of the Condition of Entry (CoE) imposed on vessels departing Nigeria for the United States.
