July 17, (THEWILL) — The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has shut down ShellPlux and TMDK Terminals located in the Ijegun-Egba area of Lagos State over non-compliance with the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.
Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, said the enforcement action followed persistent violations of the ISPS Code provisions, which are critical for maritime safety and port security in Nigeria.
According to Mobereola, 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 port facility that remains non-compliant for more than three calendar months.
The ISPS Code, an amendment to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), was developed by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) to enhance security for ports and facilities engaged in international maritime trade.
Mobereola said: “In wielding the big stick, we acted only as a last resort. Our primary goal is to enforce safety and security standards across Nigerian ports and jetties.
At a time when we are working closely with the United States Coast Guard to lift the conditions of entry imposed on vessels from Nigeria, we cannot afford any lapses that could undermine our collective progress.”
He, however, assured that the affected facilities would be reopened once they meet all necessary compliance requirements.
“Our Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, is committed to fostering a safe and conducive environment for sustainable trade facilitation in the maritime sector,” Mobereola added.
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