These are not the best of times for ShellPlux and TMDK Terminals located in the Ijegun-Egba area of Lagos as the federal government through the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has shut down their operations.
NIMASA said that the action was taken due to the facilities’ continued failure to comply with the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code in Nigeria, despite receiving multiple formal warnings.
“This enforcement step is in line with international best practices and backed by Section 79(f) of the ISPS Code Implementation Regulations (2014), which mandates the closure of any non-compliant facility after three calendar months.”
Speaking on the enforcement, the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, stated: “In wielding the big stick, we acted only as a last resort. 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 jeopardize our progress.”
He added that the affected facilities would be permitted to resume operations once they fully meet the required compliance standards. “Our Honorable 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,” Mobereola said.
The ISPS Code, developed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) as an amendment to the SOLAS Convention, is aimed at strengthening security at ports and maritime facilities, particularly those engaged in international commerce.
