Joyce Mmereole Okoli
In a decisive move to enforce international maritime security standards, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has shut down the ShellPlux and TMDK terminals in the Ijegun-Egba area of Lagos for persistent violations of the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.
The closures follow repeated warnings to both facilities, which failed to comply with critical security provisions of the ISPS Code a key framework developed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to safeguard ports and ships involved in international trade.
According to NIMASA, the enforcement aligns with Section 79(f) of Nigeria’s ISPS Code Implementation Regulations (2014), which authorizes the closure of any facility that remains non-compliant for over three consecutive months.
Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, described the action as necessary and overdue, stressing that the Agency’s priority is to ensure safety and security across Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure.
“In wielding the big stick, we acted only as a last resort,” Mobereola said. “Our primary goal is to enforce safety and security practices across Nigerian ports and jetties. At a time when we are working with the U.S. Coast Guard to lift the conditions of entry imposed on Nigerian vessels, we cannot afford any security lapses that could undermine our efforts.”
He further assured that ShellPlux and TMDK terminals could resume operations once all compliance requirements are fully met. He acknowledged the facilities’ contributions to trade facilitation and emphasized the need for secure and sustainable maritime operations.
Mobereola also reiterated the commitment of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, to strengthening trade facilitation through a safe and conducive maritime environment.
The ISPS Code, an amendment to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), remains a cornerstone of global maritime security, especially for port facilities handling international cargoes. NIMASA serves as Nigeria’s designated authority for its implementation.