The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has shut down ShellPlux and TMDK Terminals in the Ijegun-Egba area of Lagos for violating the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code. The decision was announced in a statement by Osagie Edward, the Head of Public Relations at NIMASA.
The ISPS Code, an amendment to the SOLAS Convention, was developed by the International Maritime Organisation to enhance maritime and port security, particularly for facilities engaged in international trade. According to Edward, the enforcement action follows “persistent non-compliance by the facilities with the provisions of the ISPS Code, despite several formal warnings.”
The closure aligns with global best practices and 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.
Edward emphasized that the move was taken as a last resort after repeated warnings and non-compliance.
Dr. Dayo Mobereola, the Director-General of NIMASA, highlighted the agency’s commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime domain. He 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.”
Mobereola added that the facilities would be reopened once all compliance requirements are satisfactorily met. He also noted that the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, is committed to enhancing sustainable trade facilitation for the maritime sector in a safe and conducive environment.
The closure of the terminals comes at a time when NIMASA is collaborating with the United States Coast Guard to lift the conditions of entry on vessels from Nigeria. Mobereola emphasized the importance of maintaining high standards of security to avoid jeopardizing these efforts.
NIMASA’s decision underscores its dedication to ensuring that all maritime facilities adhere to international security standards, thereby protecting Nigeria’s maritime interests and facilitating safe trade.
