The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has ordered the closure of two private oil terminals—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 enforcement action, announced in a statement by NIMASA’s Head of Public Relations, Osagie Edward, underscores the agency’s commitment to enhancing maritime security in line with global best practices.
According to NIMASA, both terminals had failed to comply with the ISPS Code despite several formal warnings and corrective directives. The ISPS Code, an amendment to the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention developed by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), mandates stringent security measures for ports and facilities engaged in international trade.
Edward explained that the closure was taken in accordance with Section 79(f) of the ISPS Code Implementation Regulations (2014), which allows the designated authority to shut down non-compliant facilities after three months of continued violations.
“The move aligns with global best practices. It was necessary to protect Nigeria’s maritime domain from security lapses that could undermine ongoing international efforts to improve safety standards in the nation’s ports,” Edward stated.
Speaking on the development, NIMASA Director General Dr. Dayo Mobereola emphasized that the decision to shut down the terminals was a last resort after several compliance reminders were ignored.
“In wielding the big stick, we acted only as a last resort. Our primary goal remains the enforcement of safety and security practices across Nigerian ports and jetties,” Mobereola said.
He noted that Nigeria is currently working closely with the United States Coast Guard (USCG) to remove the country from the list of nations whose vessels face “conditions of entry” before accessing U.S. ports.
“At such a critical time, we cannot afford lapses that will jeopardise the significant progress we have made in strengthening port security,” he added.
Mobereola assured industry stakeholders that the terminals would be reopened once they fully meet ISPS Code compliance requirements.
“We recognize the vital role these terminals play in trade facilitation and service delivery. However, security cannot be compromised. Once they meet all compliance requirements, we will lift the suspension,” he said.
He further reiterated that the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, is committed to creating a safe and sustainable environment for trade facilitation in the maritime sector.
Maritime industry analysts believe the action sends a strong signal to terminal operators and port facilities across Nigeria. Ensuring strict compliance with ISPS Code standards not only boosts Nigeria’s reputation as a safe maritime destination but also supports the government’s drive to increase foreign investment in the blue economy.
NIMASA’s recent enforcement activities form part of broader reforms to strengthen the security of Nigeria’s maritime assets, which are key to sustaining international trade and reducing incidents of piracy and illegal bunkering in the Gulf of Guinea.