Why NIMASA Wielded Big Stick Against ISPS Code Violators in Lagos – DG, Mobereola
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has explained that it resorted to enforcement against defaulters of the International Ship and Port Facility Security, ISPS Code, in Nigeria, to ensure safety and security practices across Nigerian ports and jetties
THECONSCIENCE NG reports that the remark followed NIMASA’s shutting down of ShellPlux and TMDK Terminals, both located in the Ijegun-Egba area of Lagos over non-compliance.
The Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola while speaking emphasised the Agency’s commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime domain.
He noted that the move became necessary in line with NIMASA’s renewed bid to enforce compliance and promote regulatory standards.
He said, “the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) as the Designated Authority for implementing International Ship and Port Facility Security, ISPS Code, in Nigeria, shut down ShellPlux and TMDK Terminals, both located in the Ijegun-Egba area of Lagos after several warnings over non-compliance.”
“The enforcement action followed persistent non-compliance by the facilities with the provisions of the ISPS Code, despite several formal warnings. The move aligns with global best practices and is in accordance with Section 79(f) of the ISPS Code Implementation Regulations (2014), which mandates the closure of any facility that remains in violation for over three calendar months.”
“In wielding the big stick, we acted only as a last resort,” he said. “Our primary goal is to enforce safety and security practices across Nigerian ports and jetties. At a time when we are collaborating with the United States Coast Guard to lift the conditions of entry on vessels from Nigeria, we cannot afford lapses that jeopardise our progress,” he added.
Dr. Mobereola assured that the facilities would be reopened once all compliance requirements are satisfactorily met, acknowledging their important role in service delivery and trade facilitation.
”Our Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy Adegboyega Oyetola is committed to enhanced sustainable trade facilitation for the maritime sector in a safe and conducive environment,” he noted
The ISPS Code, an amendment to the SOLAS Convention, was developed by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) to enhance maritime and port security, particularly for facilities engaged in international trade.
